GLOVES PAST AND PRESENT

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19133, 28 July 1930, Page 8

GLOVES PAST AND PRESENT

Like most articles of Dress and Dress Accessories, the Glove Has a worthy and Romantic history. It is upon record that gloves were in general use on the Continent as early as the ninth century, but the date of their introduction into England is very uncertain. There is evidence however, that in tha 13th century gloves were widely worn by the well-to-do. By 1349 glovemaking must have become an organised and considerable business, for we learn of the Glovers of London being able to fix the price of common Sheepskin Gloves—whose price, be it noted, w T as one penny per pair. In the development of manufacture, the refinement and elaboration of the Glove was inevitable, and when Queen Elizabeth visited Cambridge, 1578, the occasion was marked by making her Majesty the recipient of “ a paire of Gloves, perfumed and garnished with embroiderie and goldsmith’s work; price 60/-.” During the period that followed the Glove assumed special significance. It became part of the insignia of kings and emperors; it ;was a certificate of integrity, if given to confirm a contract, and was used in many symbolic ways. Today, however, the Glove is primarily an article of utility, with, of course, due deference to Dame Fashion’s verdict as to distinctive details. Of Modern Gloves the Skin Glove easily holds pride of place. Sheep, Goats and Deer provide the bulk of the skins used, though long and highly skilled processes are necessary to attain the varied and beautiful finish in the numerous styles now available. In recent years the Washable Glove has been much in evidence, but it is suggested that when Gloves are washed it should be done with care and in accordance with instructions, where any are given, since the washing qualities of any glove depend upon the process of tanning employed and the dyes used, and casual treatment in washing cannot yield the best results. The Fabric Glove is more easily fcnd more quickly made, and consequently much lower in price, with the added advantage that it lends itself much more readily to dainty Juid novel effects. The New Gloves for Spring and Summer are really handsome products of the Glover’s art, and ■whether of Skin or Fabric, possess all the charms that make a smart Glove so desirable. New Stocks are now on display in the Glove Department at