Pair of Gloves
1660-1680 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
The decorative gauntlet of this glove showed off the wealth and status of the wearer. The embroidery of the early 17th century has given way to the lavish use of ribbons in the 1660s and 1670s.
Materials & Making
The ribbons have been arranged and attached in deep loops and bows covering the gauntlet of the glove. A wide ribbon of white silk, silver-gilt and silver has a gauze weave creating an open effect. At the selvedges (the edges of the weave, which were finished in such a manner as to prevent fraying) silk threads create a picot edge (an edge formed of small loops of twisted threads). The narrow ribbons are of ivory and salmon-pink silk with silver strips. Here, the selvedges have been cut to create a decorative frayed edge.
Trading
Ribbon was originally woven on a narrow hand-loom, but only one piece could be made at a time. New technology in the 17th century allowed one worker to operate up to 24 looms at once. The increased availability of ribbons influenced fashion, particularly men's wear. Breeches, doublets (close-fitting body garments) and gloves were liberally festooned with great bunches of decorative ribbons.
Disapproval
Moralists condemned the extravagant use of ribbons in dress, especially by men. In 1661 the diarist John Evelyn commented on one young 'fashion victim' as having 'as much Ribbon on him as would have plundered six shops, and set up Twenty Country Pedlars; all his body was dres't like a May-pole'.
The decorative gauntlet of this glove showed off the wealth and status of the wearer. The embroidery of the early 17th century has given way to the lavish use of ribbons in the 1660s and 1670s.
Materials & Making
The ribbons have been arranged and attached in deep loops and bows covering the gauntlet of the glove. A wide ribbon of white silk, silver-gilt and silver has a gauze weave creating an open effect. At the selvedges (the edges of the weave, which were finished in such a manner as to prevent fraying) silk threads create a picot edge (an edge formed of small loops of twisted threads). The narrow ribbons are of ivory and salmon-pink silk with silver strips. Here, the selvedges have been cut to create a decorative frayed edge.
Trading
Ribbon was originally woven on a narrow hand-loom, but only one piece could be made at a time. New technology in the 17th century allowed one worker to operate up to 24 looms at once. The increased availability of ribbons influenced fashion, particularly men's wear. Breeches, doublets (close-fitting body garments) and gloves were liberally festooned with great bunches of decorative ribbons.
Disapproval
Moralists condemned the extravagant use of ribbons in dress, especially by men. In 1661 the diarist John Evelyn commented on one young 'fashion victim' as having 'as much Ribbon on him as would have plundered six shops, and set up Twenty Country Pedlars; all his body was dres't like a May-pole'.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Leather, silk, silver |
| Brief description | Pair of gloves of brown suede, trimmed with silver thread and silk ribbons, England, 1660-1680. |
| Physical description | Pair of gloves of kidskin, dyed mushroom brown. The cuffs are decorated with 1-½ inch (3.7 cm) wide gauze weave white silk, silver filé and strip, and two ⅜-inch (7 mm) wide ribbons, one carnation pink and white silk with silver filé, and one of yellow and maroon silk and silver file. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label |
|
| Credit line | Acquired with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Art Fund and contributors to the Margaret Laton Fund |
| Object history | Purchased with waistcoat and portrait of Margaret Layton, possibly belonged to a descendant. Registered File number 1994/644. |
| Association | |
| Summary | Object Type The decorative gauntlet of this glove showed off the wealth and status of the wearer. The embroidery of the early 17th century has given way to the lavish use of ribbons in the 1660s and 1670s. Materials & Making The ribbons have been arranged and attached in deep loops and bows covering the gauntlet of the glove. A wide ribbon of white silk, silver-gilt and silver has a gauze weave creating an open effect. At the selvedges (the edges of the weave, which were finished in such a manner as to prevent fraying) silk threads create a picot edge (an edge formed of small loops of twisted threads). The narrow ribbons are of ivory and salmon-pink silk with silver strips. Here, the selvedges have been cut to create a decorative frayed edge. Trading Ribbon was originally woven on a narrow hand-loom, but only one piece could be made at a time. New technology in the 17th century allowed one worker to operate up to 24 looms at once. The increased availability of ribbons influenced fashion, particularly men's wear. Breeches, doublets (close-fitting body garments) and gloves were liberally festooned with great bunches of decorative ribbons. Disapproval Moralists condemned the extravagant use of ribbons in dress, especially by men. In 1661 the diarist John Evelyn commented on one young 'fashion victim' as having 'as much Ribbon on him as would have plundered six shops, and set up Twenty Country Pedlars; all his body was dres't like a May-pole'. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.229:1, 2-1994 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
