The last queen of the "Aemilia Ars"

Aemilia Ars is an exquisite needlelace, made by hand with needle and linen thread. It is known among fans for its beautiful designs and good execution.

In order to keep alive this technique and craftsmanship a cultural association was founded in Bentivoglio on October 2004. The association is called I merletti di Antonilla Cantelli (Antonilla's needlelace) and its president is Carla D'Alessandro, who explains: "Antonilla (1914-2008) was our teacher until the age of  94". The members of the group are ladies who were students of this great interpreter of Aemilia Ars' lace.

Aemilia Ars was created between the end of the 19th and early 20th century. It was a prestigious school of applied art that promoted the upgrading Crafts. The formal name was Società Cooperativa Aemilia Ars.

At first the workshop produced a wide range of products, including glass and pottery, but from the beginning of 20th-century its principal product were textiles, especially lace.

Characterized by a technical virtuosity, this activity represents the main expression of the Liberty style in this sector.