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The Accounts Mina Keppie was the manageress of Clare Embroidery and dealt with all the correspondence with customers. She was a Scotswoman and had come to the Vere O’Brien family as a lady’s maid and to help with the children. She came at the age of 21, having worked for a couple of years in northern France. She was still with the Vere O’Brien family when she died, aged 96.
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Clerical work went on in the background and continual exposure of Clare Embroidery products was essential for sales. This was done by entering competitions and by showing at exhibitions in Ireland, England and America. Following an exhibition in Windsor in 1902 an order came for twelve smocked dresses for one of Queen Victoria’s granddaughters. This kind of order encouraged sales in England. Competitions and Prizes This small industry was never intended to be a profit-making concern. The girls earned a small wage, based on piecework, and they learnt a new skill. The wages were less the cost of the materials. Prices were kept competitive and a large amount of voluntary time was given by Florence and her friends in travelling and organising the stands at various exhibitions. Prizes and certificates were won at many exhibitions, and the girls benefited from the prize money won. Featured are some of the exhibitions and prizes. Awards
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