[social_warfare]Welcome to my fascination with glove boxes. I love looking at antique glove boxes and thinking of all the possibilities for using them. Even though we go to many estate sales, flea markets, antique stores, thrift stores, etc., I have not seen many glove boxes in person. Since I found this antique Celluloid Glove Box I have made it a mission find out the history of glove boxes, other styles and types of glove boxes were made, and to find ways they can be used today.
First, let me tell you about my early 20th century Glove Box. It is made of celluloid, which is a type of plastic invented in the late 18th century. This one has angelic dancing girls on top with swirling ribbon and a Grecian design along the edge. It has a green satin interior to protect the gloves. I could also see this holding a lovely brush, comb and mirror set inside. What a lovely piece to use for gloves or storing delicate items!
Here's what you'll find in this post:
- What is a glove box – the history and how the name came to be
- Different types, styles and variety of glove boxes (some very unique and intriguing designs)
- How glove boxes can be used today
First, what is a glove box? Today, a glove box (or glove compartment) is made to hold just about everything but gloves. However, the glove box of a car was originally made for holding gloves. The car owner of yesterday was a discriminating, elegant, wealthy individual who could afford the best. The glove box was made for just that – holding gloves in a time when wearing gloves was essential for style and warmth. However, this is not the type of glove box we are going to explore. I am interested in the glove box that is a lovely woman's accessory.
Glove boxes have been used to hold women's gloves from the 17th century to the middle part of the 20th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, glove boxes were necessary as gloves were treated with perfumed powders and keeping them in the glove box preserved the scent. Later they were used to store gloves and were an essential part of a well-appointed lady's vanity or dressing table.
Glove boxes were sometimes given as gifts to visiting royalty or to distinguished visitors in Europe. In America they were given as gifts to friends and loved ones. In fact, in Ladies Home Journal Magazine, December, 1893, glove boxes were recommended as a lovely Christmas present.
Glove boxes are a part of the history of artistry, women's fashion and gift giving. Glove boxes are displayed in museums such as the Hillwood Estate Museum in Washington D.C., the Mangawhai Museum in Australia, and Hudson Museum at the University of Maine, to name a few.
Next, we will see different types of glove boxes and ways we can use them today to Make our Lives More Lovely. We will show you a variety of styles and colors and the variety of materials used from wood to metal to celluloid. The designs, varities and uses are endless. Click below to see some examples.
