A glove story

A Piece by Pompi Parry, Lace expert and Look Again Project volunteer

One of the items I handled when helping with the decant of the display cases was a pair of mid 17thC Gauntlet gloves. Made from cream leather the gauntlets are decorated with silver metal fringe and embroidery. The edges of the fingers are also accentuated with a line of silver chain stitch. I’d been admiring these gloves through the glass of the case for many years so to handle them was a real treat.

Imagine my surprise and excitement when I inspected the insides to find the gauntlets lined with a document. Beautiful clear Latin script on fine (I presume) parchment.

Sadly, I don’t read Latin. My mind raced – was this subversive religious text or just 17thC up-cycling? I still don’t know so if anyone is able to translate the text, I’d be very grateful, and I can provide more photos to help.

Does anyone know of other gloves lined with a document?

If you have any ideas concerning the translation of this parchment, we would love to hear them. Please drop us a line via email!