Bornem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Bornem Abbey hosts “Lace re-BORN-em” (16 Aug–19 Oct), showcasing 80 works from 6 Flemish art academies, 40 artists, and lace groups. Rome-Verbeylen and Karine Huts highlight lace’s evolution from a craft to an art form.
AS VRT News reported, Bornem Abbey, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, is hosting a new exhibition called “Lace re-BORN-em”, which opens today. Aug 16, 2025. A total of 80 works are on display.
These come from 6 Flemish art academies, domestic and international lace associations, and about 40 independent artists. The pieces include both classic lace techniques and modern creative designs.
Who shows 80 Lace works at the Bornem Abbey exhibition “Lace re-BORN-em”?
Greet Rome-Verbeylen, chairman of the non-profit organisation Living Lace, explains that the craft has changed over time. Today, lacemaking is mainly pursued by hobbyists and enthusiasts who are passionate about creating art. The exhibition connects the craft’s historical roots with its modern interpretations.
Greet Rome-Verbeylen says,
“People no longer want classic lace, like scarves. That’s a bygone era. But it is a heritage that must be preserved. That’s why we have to adapt to contemporary fashion. Otherwise, no one will even look at it.”
The exhibition is organised by the non-profit group Living Lace, which previously hosted a conference on lace art in Bruges. It is supported by Karine Huts, a well-known art collector and the wife of businessman Fernand Huts. The show runs from Saturday, August 16, 2025, to Sunday, October 19, and is open every Thursday through Sunday.
Lace-making was once a major profession in Flanders. Around 1900, about 200,000 women worked as professional lacemakers in the region. They spent long hours creating delicate designs and were not paid properly.
In the 20th century, industrialisation and mass-produced textiles led to a sharp decline in professional lacemakers. The recent closure of Antwerp’s last lace shop underscores the rarity of handmade lace today.
