The decoration of this pair of gentleman's gauntlet gloves is characteristic of the period 1615 to 1625, with couched embroidery in a stylised pattern and fringe of metal thread. Gloves could serve several purposes in early 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. The gloves on offer here would have been worn, and were probably one of several pairs owned by the wearer. They were kept because they were decorative and perhaps had memories of the occasion when they were worn. Similar gloves are often thought to be female, but more often were male attire.
Gloves would have been made by the glover and an embroiderer. The fingers of gloves of this period always appear exceptionally elongated. It is known that the wearer's finger tips did not extend the full length and were probably elongated to make the hand look more elegant. Deer, sheep or lamb skins were used.
The gloves are accompanied by a hand written note as Lady Sherington's Gloves, who resided at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham, Wiltshire. The abbey is now owned by the National Trust, was lived in by photographer William Henry Fox Talbot (1800-1877), the inventor of British photography, and now houses the Fox Talbot Photography Museum. The note continues that the gloves are very similar to those worn by Queen Elizabeth who visited the house, and who probably left them behind in 1574. In accompanying paperwork pages are reproduced from Royal and Historic Gloves and Shoes, by W B Redfern, plate XII (published by Methuen) 1904. It states they are late sixteenth century and owned in 1909 by Mrs B Morrell.
However, they are in fact early seventeenth century! Presumably there is good reason for saying they came from the Sharington family, but clearly had nothing to do with Queen Elizabeth, especially as they are gentleman's gloves! It is likely that Sharington Talbot (1577-1642) owned the house at the time the gloves were made.
Of soft natural doe skin, elongated fingers and thumbs, the gauntlet with a design of a central apricot viola, either side flanked by blue and ivory silk embroidered flower, surrounded by sprays of small roses on stems,with beaten silver strips and coils, wrapped round silk threads of pink, blue and yellow and couched, scattered with spangles, silver gilt short fringing, side openings, a half lining of beige silk and a stiffened inner linen lining.
3 1/2 in; 9 cm across knuckles.
Length: 11 in; 28 cm
As you will clearly see the gloves are rather grubby. I expect a conservator could improve them. There are a few spangles missing as well as nine little silver coiled roses on one glove and two on the other, but hey they are early Seventeenth century! One glove needs a few stitches to secure the fringe, but no actual damage. The inside skin of the glove is lovely yellowy shade. Ask for more photos.
theglovecollection.uk/our-collection
Gloves. The Costume Accessories Series by Valerie Cumming.
All images and text © meg-andrews.com 2021
