Gloves have been used since prehistory and they have been worn for warmth, protection, a badge of distinction and as part of fashionable dress. During the Victorian era gloves were a status symbol and a lady wouldn't dream of going outside without her gloves. The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette advised that the only time it was required to remove gloves was while at the table. Gloves were made of kid, thread, silk or washing leather and these fabrics tended not to have much give so they had to be stretched when new or just washed. Given that the gloves were usually worn skin tight these stretchers were used on the fingers so the gloves could be put on.

This glove stretcher was owned by Nellie Shortland who lived in Sydney in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Little is known about her, though the collection this vase is from indicated that she was from a prosperous family. There are papers with letterhead of the Woods, Shortland and Co, General Carriers based at Central Railway Station in Sydney. She went to the Argyle School in Surry Hills and studied music with Trinity College, London in 1893-1894. The personal effects that make up this collection give a good indication of the types of things a young women living in late Victorian Sydney would use on a day to day basis.

Used by Nellie Shortland in Australia.

Glove stretcher, womens, bone, maker unknown, used by Nellie Shortland, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c. 1900

Simple glove stretcher made of bone.

Made: 1895 - 1905

2005/153/14

1895 - 1905

43 mm

10 mm