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A pair of embroidered gloves, thought to have belonged to Mrs Soane.
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A pair of embroidered gloves, thought to have belonged to Mrs Soane.
c.1670-1700
Kidskin with raised stumpwork embroidery
Museum number: X298
Not on display
Curatorial note
These gloves have as far as we know always been known as 'Mrs Soane's gloves' and assumed to have been acquired by Eliza during her lifetime. However, recent research has revealed that in fact they date from the 17th century, c.1670-1700, with raised stumpwork decoration typical of that period on the backs. This makes them a rare and exciting survival and perhaps an heirloom passed down to Eliza through her family.
The embroideries feature flowers and birds and the gloves have fringed edges, silk tufts on the knuckle line and decorative stitching on the fingers and thumbs. The damage to the top of the gloves, and the missing fringe, is consistent with constant (or even rough) handling when pulling the gloves on as the 'pull' is where the user would handle the gloves and the damage reflects the individuality of that movement, being different on right and left gloves. It seems that these gloves were not only treasured in Mrs Soane's family but regularly worn.
We are grateful to Douglas Sweet, Past Assistant, and Past Master Alderman Alison Gowman, The Worshipful Company of Gloves of London ,for their assistance in dating and describing the gloves.
The embroideries feature flowers and birds and the gloves have fringed edges, silk tufts on the knuckle line and decorative stitching on the fingers and thumbs. The damage to the top of the gloves, and the missing fringe, is consistent with constant (or even rough) handling when pulling the gloves on as the 'pull' is where the user would handle the gloves and the damage reflects the individuality of that movement, being different on right and left gloves. It seems that these gloves were not only treasured in Mrs Soane's family but regularly worn.
We are grateful to Douglas Sweet, Past Assistant, and Past Master Alderman Alison Gowman, The Worshipful Company of Gloves of London ,for their assistance in dating and describing the gloves.
Literature
Susan Palmer, At Home with the Soane's, second edition 2015, pp.52-51.
Exhibition history
The Soanes at Home: A Day in the Life of Regency London, Sir John Soane's Museum, London, 24 October 1997 - 29 February 1998
Permanently Magical: Restoration and Renewal of Sir John Soane's Museum, Sir John Soane's Museum, London, 2 July - 4 September 2010
Permanently Magical: Restoration and Renewal of Sir John Soane's Museum, Sir John Soane's Museum, London, 2 July - 4 September 2010
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk