The Hart Square Lace Pillow Research Project pages are currently minimally formatted on the recommendation of my IT person. It is his opinion that it would be best to let additional resources and information develop before committing to a final presentation structure that will be suitable for ongoing research, development, and the addition of information in yet to be determined categories and organization. The goal of the project is to gradually build a definitive history of the development of this type of lace pillow, in addition to learn as many details specific to the example which has been the catalyst of the larger project.
I am seeking as much historical information as possible about the type of roller lace pillow pictured on these pages. Its most unique characteristic are the 'notches' on the 'arm' on each side of the roller. This style of pillow is likely related to lace pillows that are extremely similar, but lacking the 'notches'; presumably used to set aside bobbin pairs not currently being worked. I would expect an overlap in the history and am very interested in where, when, and how this type of roller pillow developed - when and how its development traveled the world (if so), and as much related, relevant information as possible. Researchers, curators, historians, and artists are welcome to request that 'extra large' images be made available if they would be helpful. Just email a request regarding the specific images for which an extra large view would be helpful.
It is my understanding that, though related, roller pillows are distinct from bolster pillows. For now, I am consistently using the term 'roller'. The question is raised between the differences and historical connections on the Research Resource page.
One never knows which lead may lead to a trove of information. Stumbling upon the right people could allow us to collect a great deal of information in one location for this very specific project. Photographs of similar pillows and their stories could be added in a Gallery format, or as individual pages if enough documenting information is available. Certainly, connecting to artists with personal connections, histories, and stories to tell, would be an invaluable addition and add to the historical record. Thus far, it has been a challenge. Until directed to a resource that is far ahead of anything that I can offer, these pages could be the beginning of a comprehensive single resource about the history of this style (and close relations) of lace pillow.
