Exhibition: Sanquhar Gloves – A Living Scottish Tradition

Exhibition dates: this is an online exhibition, available to view indefinitely

The Center for Knit and Crochet (CKC), based in Wisconsin, USA, have produced a great online exhibition exploring the Scottish tradition of Sanquhar gloves.

Sanquhar gloves are a distinctive fashion accessory from the small Scottish town of the same name. Sanquhar, Scotland is located about 60 miles southwest of Edinburgh and 50 miles southeast of Glasgow. The gloves historically associated with this community are hand-knitted in fine wool yarns in two colours that emphasise the delicacy and precision of the small all-over patterns preferred by the knitters of Sanquhar.

Structure of the exhibition:

• We begin with a definition of Sanquhar gloves, including their patterns, construction and materials, showing both historical and contemporary examples.
• Next we explore the attraction of this form of knitting and discuss resources.
• Finally we admire contemporary adaptations of Sanquhar patterns in gloves, mittens and other garments.
• The exhibition concludes with a bibliography and reference materials.

To view the exhibition, visit the website of the Center for Knit and Crochet.