Glove Network

Description

The sharing and exchange of information by those who have ownership and access to collections of gloves, associated material and knowledge of the history of glove-making is key to exploring how best to preserve and promote the significance of English glove design and manufacture for future generations.

The following areas will be explored by the network:

• Current content and status of the individual collections, identify potential links by sharing information
• Histories, social and cultural and relationship to history of fashion
• Design, manufacturing and materials
• Approaches to maintenance and conservation
• Access to the collections and strategies for future understanding of their national importance.

The overall aims of the network are to:

• Explore how to promote better understanding of the history, design and manufacture of gloves
• Explore the national significance of the collections and accessibility to a variety of audiences including museum visitors, garment designers, cultural historians, and the wider community
• Raise awareness of the declining English glove industry
• Explore new and longer-term research goals.

The network will open up the possibility for future valuable research across the academic community, third sector (museums and heritage), the commercial private sector (glove and accessory industry) and education sector (students of design and cultural heritage).

Historical contexts and theoretical frameworks will enable museum professionals and private collectors to better situate their collections. Several organisations hold collections of gloves, manufacturing equipment, designs, marketing and archive materials. These fragmented collections, spanning over 400 years of history, when considered in entirety can provide an overview of English glove craftsmanship, manufacture, and insight into those who wore them, from Shakespearean times to the current day.

By involving industry and including modern developments in design and manufacture, the Network will ensure that a contemporary perspective on glove-making and the subject of sustainability is captured.

Through this network there is potential for connections and links to be made between the resources to promote a stronger understanding of the significance, breadth and heritage of the English glove industry.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Contact details

On the map

Go to larger version of this map

Categorisation

Type

Project Tags

University affiliation(s)

Bath Spa University
Newton St Loe
Bath
BA2 9BN