Calais – bedding

The closest French town to England, Calais overlooks the White Cliffs of Dover and is famous for its ancient lace making industry as well as for being at the centre of many of Europe’s most dramatic historical events.

In the 14th century this fishing port was part of England, described at the time as the “brightest jewel in the England Crown”, until being captured by France. The citizens grew rich from trading tin, lead and wool as well as lace, and witnessed the massing of many armies, under the command of infamous historical figures from Emperor Napoleon to Adolf Hitler. The oldest part of the town stands on an artificial island, surrounded by canals and harbours and our collection seeks to capture the essence of a place which has been at the centre of European history through many centuries.