Pair of Gloves
1680-1700 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Gloves could serve several purposes in 17th century Britain, apart from the obvious ones of protection and warmth. Many were solely decorative, to display the wealth and status of their owner. They were worn in the hat or belt, as well as carried in the hand. Gloves were popular as gifts and were exchanged as a gesture of engagement or wedding present. In combat, a glove was thrown down as a gage, or challenge.
Ornately embroidered gloves served official purposes, signifying the holding of a civic office or membership in the local freemanry. They were also a popular New Year’s gift to the monarch. Gloves were frequently given as a sign of royal favour. The wardrobe accounts for William III for a single year record the making of more than 400 pairs of gloves.
The short, curved cuff edged with a heavy fringe of precious metal thread, cord and tassels is typical of late 17th-century men’s gloves.
Ornately embroidered gloves served official purposes, signifying the holding of a civic office or membership in the local freemanry. They were also a popular New Year’s gift to the monarch. Gloves were frequently given as a sign of royal favour. The wardrobe accounts for William III for a single year record the making of more than 400 pairs of gloves.
The short, curved cuff edged with a heavy fringe of precious metal thread, cord and tassels is typical of late 17th-century men’s gloves.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Embroidered kidskin in silver and silver-gilt threads, lined with silk, and hand sewn |
| Brief description | Pair of men's gloves of embroidered kidskin, Great Britain, 1680-1700. |
| Physical description | Pair of men's gloves of kidskin dyed golden brown, with silver thread embroidery at the back of the hand extending around to the base of the thumb. The short curved cuff is reinforced inside with card or heavy paper, and lined with yellow silk. The gloves are trimmed with heavy fringe of silver-gilt thread, tassels and coils of purl. |
| Dimensions |
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| Summary | Gloves could serve several purposes in 17th century Britain, apart from the obvious ones of protection and warmth. Many were solely decorative, to display the wealth and status of their owner. They were worn in the hat or belt, as well as carried in the hand. Gloves were popular as gifts and were exchanged as a gesture of engagement or wedding present. In combat, a glove was thrown down as a gage, or challenge. Ornately embroidered gloves served official purposes, signifying the holding of a civic office or membership in the local freemanry. They were also a popular New Year’s gift to the monarch. Gloves were frequently given as a sign of royal favour. The wardrobe accounts for William III for a single year record the making of more than 400 pairs of gloves. The short, curved cuff edged with a heavy fringe of precious metal thread, cord and tassels is typical of late 17th-century men’s gloves. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.14&A-1983 |
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| Record created | July 11, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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