Deirdre McQuillan: Founded almost 80 years ago, the future of this business lies in combining new technology with traditional skills
Tragedy struck in 1972 when on the day of Brian’s wedding, the factory burnt down and all 80 machines were destroyed. The company then moved to Prussia Street to another factory beside the cattle market building, continuing as the Castleknock Glove Company. With the advent of cheap imports, however, the production of dress gloves stopped and in 2003, the company was wound down. “It wasn’t easy to make money then when the trade went overseas,” says Gerard.
The job of some machines, like the overlocker, is specifically to produce tiny stitches and there are dies which are used to press out the leather patterns. Pressurised clicker press machines cut the leather to the required shape and different sized stencils are used to cut out the gloves. Glove irons carry out the final smoothing after stitching is completed.
The website has a useful guide on how to measure one’s hand for a glove and the company also offers a custom made service for those who want something special. “People have a bit more money now and appreciate good quality,” says Gerard. Brian adds that gloves can be made not only from leather but also other materials like satin or cotton but not woven fabrics because of their stretch limitations.
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