Step into a world of lace like you've never seen before. See how the patterns, materials and cultural traditions of lace are represented through radical new approaches by UK and international artists.

Featuring large-scale, theatrical and visually spectacular work, this exhibition challenges perceptions of what lace can be, involving the visitor in an environment where spaces become fluid and thread creates entirely new boundaries. Many of the international artists are showing in the UK for the first time and artworks will be breaking out beyond the bounds of the gallery, into public spaces.

Lost in Lace will see 20 leading international artists take over the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from 29 October 2011 to 19 February 2012. The exhibition is produced in partnership between Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Crafts Council, in association with the University for the Creative Arts.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

Lost in Lace: Concealed and Revealed

Point de Gaze needlelace flounce, early 20th century

Accompanying Lost in Lace will be a new display of lace from Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s textile collection. Lost in Lace: Concealed and Revealed tells the stories behind lace, revealing hidden histories and the often dark side of these beautifully made items. The exhibition has been curated by Gail Baxter and will be on show on the Bridge Gallery.

This display is supported by The Textile Society.