(Republished from the 3 May 1989 issue of The Voxair)

INTRODUCTION

The Battle of Britain Commemorative Lace Tapestry was created between the years 1942 and 1946 by the Nottingham firm of Dobsons and M. Browne and Co. Ltd., the largest lace producer in Europe at that time. The tapestry is a lace panel measuring 180 inches in height by 65 inches wide and depicts exact reproductions of scenes witnessed during the bombing of London. Also illustrated are the various aircraft in the battle, the badges of the Allied Air Forces involved and the names of the principal craftsmen who worked on this masterpiece. Noted authority Jack Richards in his book “The Lace Heritage” states that this artefact is “probably the most remarkable piece of lace in existence.” It is considered to be the largest and most intricate example of the lace maker’s art in the world.

ACQUISITION OF THE AIR COMMAND LACE

In 1975, the Canadian War Museum (CWM), at the request of some senior officials who had seen copies of the lace in England, attempted to find Canada’s Battle of Britain Lace Tapestry. It was on record that one had been presented to the Government of Canada and a second was “on loan in Canada” but neither of these were able to be located after an exhaustive search. An appeal was even sent in 1980 to all recipients of pension cheques, some 310,000 people, to no avail. The manufacturer, Dobsons and Browne, had long since been bought out by Filigree Textiles Ltd. and key files had been lost or destroyed. Efforts were then commenced to obtain a lace from another source, however only twelve were known to be still in existence. In September 1983, with great good fortune, one was placed on the block at Sotheby’s Auction House and the CWM was the successful bidder. Canada once again possessed a Battle of Britain Lace Tapestry. Unfortunately at that time no appropriate display venue for this national treasure could be found and it remained in storage for the next five years. In 1988 the CWM responded favourably to the Air Command Heritage Committee’s proposal to exhibit the Lace at the Bishop Building in a manner which would reflect its true grandeur.

RESTORATION

This lace tapestry had been in storage for almost 40 years and was seriously discoloured and had somewhat deteriorated over the years. The Royal Canadian Air Force Association graciously initiated a fund-raising campaign to cover the costly process of restoration and the lace was returned to its original pristine condition. It is now housed in a hand-crafted environmentally secure oak case which will preserve and protect the Lace for posterity.

DEDICATION

The Battle of Britain Lace seen here was unveiled and dedicated on March 22, 1989 by Lieutenant Genera] Larry A. Ashley, CMM, CD, the Commander of Air Command. In attendance were all members of the Air General Officers’ Symposium, the Air Force Personnel Advisory Committee, representatives from the Canadian War Museum, the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association, the RCAF Association and Air Command Headquarters personnel. In the words of LGen Ashley: “For out of the evil of destruction has been woven a masterpiece of incredible beauty.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Air Command Headquarters is proud and privileged to be able to display this magnificent tribute to the heroes of the Battle of Britain. We are indebted to the following for their assistance in making this exhibit possible:

• The Canadian War Museum and Dick Malott, Chief Curator, for the loan of this priceless work of art.
• Mrs. Helen Holt, Textile Conservator, whose expertise was responsible for the professional lace restoration.
• The Royal Canadian Air Force Association and MGen (Ret‘d) W.G. Paisley, Honourary President, for financial assistance with the restoration.
• The Wartime Pilots and Observers Association for their generous contribution to establish the Air Force Heritage Fund.
• Mr. Les Weisz, master cabinet maker, for the beautiful display case.

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