It is very probable that the specimens shown induced Barbara
Uttmann to invent the art of making lace by means of a hand cushion.
[Illustration: BARBARA UTTMANN, INVENTOR OF HAND CUSHION LACE.]
Very little is known of the family of Barbara Uttmann, which was
originally from Nurnberg; but members of the same migrated to the Saxon
mountains. Barbara's husband, Christof Uttmann, was the owner of
extensive mines at Annaberg, and was very wealthy. She died at Annaberg,
Jan. 14, 1584.
The art of making hand cushion lace was soon acquired by most of the
residents in the Saxon mountains, which is a poor country, as the
occupation of most of the inhabitants was mining, and it frequently
happened that the wages were so low, and the means of sustaining life so
expensive, that some other resource had to be found to make life more
bearable. Barbara Uttmann's invention was thus a blessing to the
country, and her name is held in high esteem. A monumental fountain is
to be erected at Annaberg, and is to be surmounted by a statue of the
country's benefactress, Barbara Uttmann. The statue, modeled by Robert
Henze, is to be cast in bronze. It represents Barbara Uttmann in the
costume worn at the time of the Reformation. She points to a piece of
lace, which she has just completed, lying on the cushion, the shuttles
being visible.
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