Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
In the palm of your hand
LONDON, 1851
This map of central London is one of the most unusual records in The National Archives'
collections. It is not just a map in the shape of a glove, but a wearable item of clothing, al-
though, as far as we know, nobody has ever worn it.
The map design has been painted onto the leather in ink. Some of London's most famous
buildings, including the British Museum, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral, are
shown as labelled pictures. The largest building, labelled 'Exhibition' is the Crystal Palace
in Hyde Park. This spectacular iron and glass building was designed by Joseph Paxton for
the Great Exhibition, which took place between May and October 1851. Buckingham Palace
is not named but can be identified by the flag flying from its roof. By tradition, the Royal
Standard is flown above the palace whenever the monarch (in this case, Queen Victoria), is
at home.
Many people are surprised to learn that the historical records of the British government
include clothes and other objects. In this case, the glove is a 'representation', or sample, that
was sent to the Office of the Registrar of Designs to protect the design owner's legal rights. It
now forms part of the historical records of the Board of Trade. Although most design repres-
entations are still kept in the original heavy volumes, each containing hundreds of images or
samples, this glove is so uniquely valuable that it is housed in a special small box designed
by one of our expert conservators.
