Not on display

Pair of Gloves

1989 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These black leather gloves with deep cuffs of faux astrakhan fur are elegant and meticulously hand-crafted. The deep gauntlet cuff is inspired by historic sixteenth and seventeenth century gloves. A sign of their quality can be seen in the construction of the thumb, which has an extra gusset at the base to offer an accurate fit and greater freedom of movement. This feature is known as a "Bolton thumb".

The designer, Cornelia James (1917-1999) emigrated from Vienna to Brighton following World War II. In 1946 she and her husband established a high end glove-making firm and the following year, were commisioned by Norman Hartnell to make the gloves to accompany his designs for Princess Elizabeth's wedding and going-away outfits. Cornelia James continued making gloves for the future Queen, and also made gloves for other members of the Royal Family. In 1979 the firm was awarded a Royal Warrant as 'glove maker by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen', which it still holds. The company now operates under the direction of Genevieve James, Cornelia's daughter.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Glove
  • Glove
Materials and techniques
Leather with fleece trim
Brief description
Pair of woman's leather gloves with a fleece trim, designed by Cornelia James, Great Britain, 1989
Physical description
Pair of woman's black leather gloves with a fleece trim.
Gallery label
(1990)
LADY'S DRESS GLOVES
Designed by Cornelia James (British)
Black kid glove with flared gauntlet style cuff of black artificial lamb's wool
1989

Glove maker to Her Majesty the Queen, The Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family, Mrs James emigrated from Vienna to Brighton following World War II. There she and her husband established their firm, dedicated to the manufacture of fine gloves.

These classically elegant gloves, reminscent of the Elizabethan age, are meticulously hand-crafted. A special feature, the "Bolton Thumb" - an extra gusset at the base of the thumb - achieves accurate fit and greater freedom of movement. They are a beautiful twist on the classic black leather glove: dramatic and graceful, they suggest adventure, bringing to mind musketeers, duels, and silhouettes of seventeenth century falconers.

Given by Mrs Cornelia James
T.160&A-1990
Credit line
Given by the designer
Object history
Registered File number 1990/313.
Summary
These black leather gloves with deep cuffs of faux astrakhan fur are elegant and meticulously hand-crafted. The deep gauntlet cuff is inspired by historic sixteenth and seventeenth century gloves. A sign of their quality can be seen in the construction of the thumb, which has an extra gusset at the base to offer an accurate fit and greater freedom of movement. This feature is known as a "Bolton thumb".

The designer, Cornelia James (1917-1999) emigrated from Vienna to Brighton following World War II. In 1946 she and her husband established a high end glove-making firm and the following year, were commisioned by Norman Hartnell to make the gloves to accompany his designs for Princess Elizabeth's wedding and going-away outfits. Cornelia James continued making gloves for the future Queen, and also made gloves for other members of the Royal Family. In 1979 the firm was awarded a Royal Warrant as 'glove maker by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen', which it still holds. The company now operates under the direction of Genevieve James, Cornelia's daughter.
Collection
Accession number
T.160&A-1990

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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