EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
of Lydall, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-93768) of our reports dated February
18, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule of Lydall, Inc., and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, which
reports are incorporated by reference from the 1997 Annual Report to
Stockholders, and included, respectively, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Hartford, Connecticut 
March 25, 1998
 
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