60/774/1-2

Catherine Gillies (Manufacturer)

This pair of hand-knitted ladies’ woollen gloves was knitted by Catherine Gillies. They are Sanquhar gloves – a distinctive two-coloured patterned knit, which originated in the late-eighteenth century in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway. The gloves are black and white, and have the ‘Midge and Fly’ pattern and the initials ‘B.C.’ knitted into them. They are part of a large collection of traditional craft products acquired from the British Council in 1960.

MERL miscellaneous note, B. L. 22 March 1961 – ‘The British Council collection. // This collection of material which is covered by the accession numbers 60/430 to 60/791 contains examples of craft products made in the British Isles. The major part of the collection was prepared immediately after the Second World War for a travelling exhibition which was sent to Australia and New Zealand. // The collection was purchased for a nominal sum by the Museum in two portions, the one in the summer of 1960 and the other in February 1961. // For further details see the individual catalogue cards and the catalogue prepared for the temporary exhibition of the collection.’, MERL 'Catalogue index' card – ‘A pair of handknitted black and white “Sanquhar” gloves of "Midge and Fly” pattern with the initials B.C. // Knitted by Catherine Gillies.’, British Council Ref. No. Not known.

Sanquhar

1945 - 1960