The first time Rauma-lace-making is mentioned in historical sources was
in the 1740’s. By that time it was already a fully developed skill.
In 1754 bobbin lace-making in Rauma was regarded as a branch of industry.
During that year 4000 ells of lace were produced for sale.
In 1783, according to Pietari Adrian Gadd, there were 200-300 people
in Rauma (including little girls, 6-7 year-old boys and old men)
who earned their living by making bobbin lace.
Nowadays, Rauma Lace can not be considered as an industry anymore.
But more like a tradition shared among the older generation and a way
of expressing yourself and being part of a community for people like Tarmo.
It is also a touristic attraction but not developped in an extreme commercial way.
The Rauma Lace week invite the visitors to different performances, exhibitions,
concerts, craft fairs in order to honor a beautiful hand-craft.
More traditionnal patterns.
During Lace week...
Tarmo...who did this work?
It was in the pictures you sent me.
Lace allows to create precise and detail illustration.
More lace making.
Detail of the previous bobbin pillow.
Lace week making demonstration.
Lace pillow with sweden clip.
Rauma lace week
Every summer a week is dedicated to Rauma Lace.
Lace contest.
There is in Rauma only three men making lace.
As much as possible, Tarmo is making lace in public.
Commune Lace project.
During last summer, Tarmo biked around Rauma with his Lace pillow
and bobbins. Everyday he went to the different places to lace and teach
people how to lace. He will lace one day in white, the other day in grey.
He went to the market place everyday because he was sure to find people
and then to places like a bank, the church, the library,...
At the end of the summer he had a lace of 3 meters.
Lace Making in public space.
by Tarmo Thorstrom.
Lady from the shop lacing.
White flower lace.
Grey Rauma Lace.
Model Pattern.
The pattern take the name of the maker, the shape, or the illustation.
Bobbin always works by pair.
Bobbin lace pillow.
Traditionnal Rauma lace.
A bobin lace pillow clock.
Tarmo waiting.
Pits-Priia, lace shop.
After the museum, Tarmo and I went ot he Lace shop.
It is also a collective of Lace maker. They are very traditionnal.
Lace maker in 1900
gift from the museum.
Paper dolls.
Paper doll exhibition at Rauman museo.
Living room.
Rauma lace is found on the table, the curtains, the candle holder,...
Children room in the ship owner house.
Tarmo took me to the Marela museum. A beautiful museum presenting
the home of a ship-owner from the turn of the 20th century,
at the culmination of Rauma seafaring skill.
And see the different use of rauma lace as house decoration.
Kauppakatu 24
FIN-26100 Rauma