Circa 1820-30s Nime French Woven Wool Shawl in turqouise wool with rust details, 58cm by 250cm,
together with a later Circa 1840s French Shawl with a cream centre and decorative border in peach and brown, 168cm by 168cm,
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Helen Hoyte MBE Shawl Collection
Helen became an expert on the Norwich shawl making industry in retirement, rekindling interest in a forgotten chapter of history. She wrote and illustrated a book titled 'The Story of the Norwich Shawl' in 2010 and gave numerous talks on the subject, showing her own shawls, collected with passion to demonstrate her points. Together with Pamela Clabburn whose family had been involved in shawl-making in Norfolk since the 19th century, Helen co-founded the Costume and Textile Association to promote interest in the costume and textile heritage of Norwich and Norfolk, and to encourage research into its various facets. Awarded an MBE in 2015 for her work in that field, she remained active in the association for the rest of her life as an honourary life president.