Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 122b

Glove Stretchers

1870-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This pair of glove stretchers might have belonged to either a man or a woman. They were used to help ease tight kid gloves so that they would fit over the fingers. They also helped restore the fingers of the gloves after washing, which made them wrinkled and stiff. The user would place the pointed end of the glove stretcher into the finger of a glove and then compress the handle together so that the two ends splayed out, hence stretching the kid leather.

Time
This example is probably from the latter part of the 19th century as it has a spring mechanism to ease movement. Late 19th-century glove stretchers often had this improvement.

Ownership & Use
During the 19th century the essential mark of a lady was to have small hands and feet. It was partly for this reason that close-fitting gloves were worn. A well-fitting glove was also an important complement to the tailored appearance of men's clothing. Glove stretchers therefore became a vital wardrobe accessory as they assisted the wearer in easing their gloves.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Glove Stretchers
  • Spring
Materials and techniques
Carved ivory handles held in place by brass rivets and steel spring mechanism
Brief description
Glove stretchers, carved ivory handles with brass rivets and steel spring, made in Britain, 1870-1900
Physical description
Glove stretchers, the carved ivory handles held in place by brass rivets and steel spring mechanism.
Dimensions
  • Height: 16cm
  • Width: 8cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 19/01/1999 by dj
Credit line
Given by Mrs J. M. Collier
Historical context
Probably made in Britain
Summary
Object Type
This pair of glove stretchers might have belonged to either a man or a woman. They were used to help ease tight kid gloves so that they would fit over the fingers. They also helped restore the fingers of the gloves after washing, which made them wrinkled and stiff. The user would place the pointed end of the glove stretcher into the finger of a glove and then compress the handle together so that the two ends splayed out, hence stretching the kid leather.

Time
This example is probably from the latter part of the 19th century as it has a spring mechanism to ease movement. Late 19th-century glove stretchers often had this improvement.

Ownership & Use
During the 19th century the essential mark of a lady was to have small hands and feet. It was partly for this reason that close-fitting gloves were worn. A well-fitting glove was also an important complement to the tailored appearance of men's clothing. Glove stretchers therefore became a vital wardrobe accessory as they assisted the wearer in easing their gloves.
Collection
Accession number
T.18:1, 2-1944

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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