Dents, A Treasure Of Gloves

They are the last thing you pull on before stepping outside and facing whatever the weather is throwing at you. But gloves are more than mere hand-warming additions to a winter coat. They have been a part of some of the most iconic trends, over the past century. Every decade has had its own unique style, from 20s flapper dresses to 50s poodle skirts, and we still look back at these iconic trends to inspire our current styles. A brilliant way of making a statement without overpowering the existing outfit.

Nowadays there are so many different types to tempt you; from tailored, leather ones, to jolly knitted ones in cheerful colours, to soft cashmere pairs. There are even ‘smart’ gloves that allow you to use your phone while wearing them. But if you want to have some eye-candy, don’t miss the Dents Museum in Warminster (Wiltshire, UK). It holds one of the largest collections of privately owned gloves in the world. An opportunity to wandering around and through history, plus an unconventional way to find your ‘me’ time.

Established in 1986, the Museum includes many examples of these elegant accessories from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, right through to the present day. In addition, they have a collection of antique specialised sewing machines, glove making tools, and a wealth of photographs and documents dating back to the 1890s.

A truly hidden gem with lots of extraordinary curiosities. Every glove had a story attached. There are the smallest gloves in the world, a bit larger than a stamp, the blue suede gloves belonging to the Joker (Jack Nicholson) in the 1988 Batman film that were so popular that they were mass-produced several times in numerous colours, gloves that fitted into a walnut shell, numerous photos of glovers at work. Amongst the most prized pieces of their collection, there are the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation glove (worn by Her Majesty at her Coronation in Westminster Abbey on the 2nd of June 1953), Jubilee Gloves to Commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and a fabulous pair worn by Charles I.

Unfortunately, the museum is not open to the general public but viewings can be arranged for groups and small parties. For further information, please email to [email protected]