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The Maltese word for lace bizzilla, suggests a comparatively recent origin. In fact its introduction to these islands cannot date further back than the 16th century, when the art of lace-making, probably introduced into Venice from the East, began to spread in Europe.

From Venice the new technique was soon taken up by Genoa, where pillow lace, as distinct from Venetian point lace, developed. Modern Maltese lace is descended directly from Genoese lace. Characteristic is also the Maltese cross in the patterns and the cream or black silk in which the lace is usually worked.

Lace figured among the objects sent from Malta to the Exhibition of Industries held in London in 1881. The commercial potential of bobbin lace as developed in Malta led British missionaries to copy and introduce local patterns in the Far East, both in China and India. Patterns were copied first in silk and later in linen and cotton thread.

There is a steady demand for lace by tourists. To ensure the survival of this ancient craft, lacemaking is taught in Government trade schools for girls, while private bodies such as the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce also hold special evening classes. From time to time exhibitions are held. Besides arousing public awareness of the cultural importance of this aspect of Maltas national heritage, such initiatives also inspire deeper study of the history and techniques of local lace among womens organisations and in academic circles.

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