Prayer Gloves (Progress)

Snap fasteners

I created these gloves whilst I was Deveron Arts’ artist in residence in Huntly museum, making pieces to exhibit alongside the existing artefacts. George MacDonald, a 19th century writer from Huntly, had staged a production of Pilgrims Progress and Richard the Lionheart’s costume survives on display in the museum. It is constructed out of metal sequins, painstakingly sewn into a full body suit to create a chain mail effect. I wanted to create a piece that would complement it using modern materials. By using snap fasteners I was able to imply the gesture of the hands joining in prayer, referring to MacDonald’s Christianity.

Awarded the Shell Expro Award in Aberdeen Artists 2000, at Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Purchased by Deveron Arts and now on permanent display in the Brander Museum Huntly.

Photos by William Stark