Devon Lace Reformer Honoured
18 March 2009
Mrs Treadwin lived, worked and died in Exeter. She dedicated her life to Devon lace and is still fondly remembered by contemporary lace makers both nationally and internationally and by local historians. She was a highly respected lace manufacturer, famous for her innovative designs, the revival of old designs and the 40 years of Royal patronage that her Exeter manufactory received. Her book, patterns and designs are still a source of inspiration to lace makers.
Devon Lace Teachers, inspired by lace expert Carol McFadzean, raised £3,700 to pay for a replacement for her dilapidated nineteenth century headstone. Carol McFadzean is the Chairperson of the Devon Lace Teachers and President of OIDFA, the International Bobbin and Needlelace Organisation. Along with fellow lace teacher, Liz Trebble, she is also a regular volunteer at RAMM.
The unveiling of the new headstone by the Lord Mayor was witnessed by Devon Lace Teachers, representatives of national lace organisations (the Lace Guild and the Lace Circle) and curators from the RAMM.
RAMM has some fine examples of Mrs Treadwin's work in its collections. A few examples may currently be seen at RAMM in the Library, the Museum's gallery next to Exeter Central Library and a wider selection will be displayed when RAMM reopens in 2011. RAMM's 
collection includes continental lace gathered by Mrs Treadwin, as well as many samples of East Devon trolly and bobbin laces, some of them made by Treadwin's manufactory. Mrs Treadwin also bequeathed the medals won at exhibitions to the museum.
Carol McFadzean is the author of Devon Trolly Lace: The lost lace of the East Devon Coast (privately published, 2004) and Devon Trolly Lace patterns and Lace for Queen Victoria (privately published, 2007). She is currently researching the Treadwin's family history for a forthcoming book.
