The History Of George Horn Ltd.

1962

Dublin London Paris

Recognition

Throughout the 1960's the company thrived and established a reputation for gloves of the highest quality. Sales reached around the world from Japan to the USA and included famous names such as Harrods and Christian Dior. Bloomingdales, Saks of Fifth Avenue and Roots in New York George Horn gloves enjoyed a reputation for the highest standard of materials and quality producing gloves from motorcycle gauntlets to Irish Army Officers dress gloves and everything in between.

George expanded the Ashtown factory and the success of the company seemed boundless.

1972

The Fire

dress glove making ends

In 1972 a fire tore through the Ashtown premises, destroying much of the old machinery. Unable to source replacement machinery that he deemed of a suitable standard, George called a halt to dress glove making. The business continued as The Castleknock Glove Company making industrial gloves, specialty gloves, and small batches like gloves for the Irish Army officers and also began supplying leather to the craft market.

George's son, Brian, had started his involvement in the company in the 1960's, initially selling in Ireland and then around the world, then learning the trade of the master glove maker from his father. To this day it is Brian that cuts the gloves and oversees the stitching and finishing of all of our gloves.

2003

Castleknock Gloves

Mass Production ends Irish Glovemaking

Following the 1972 fire, the company moved to Prussia Street, trading as The Castleknock Glove Company but the demise of Irish manufacturing and the era of mass imported products, saw the business wind down in 2003.

A move to leather and tools supply began and Brian retained his glovemaking on a small bespoke scale for the next 15 years.

2017

New Needs Old

a rare find starts a new beginning

Following the closure of a glove maker in the UK, Brian secured the old machinery, knives and equipment that would be on a par with that which was originally lost in the fire of 1972. Whilst some would argue that modern machines can do the job, for Brian it just didn't feel right and finding the right equipment gave the impetus and motivation to start a 2 year process of trial, set up and refinement to bring us right up to 2020 and this beautiful moment of rebirth.

2020

A 25 Year Wait

a craft saved

After 77 years of craft, expertise, excitement, success, disaster and effort by 3 generations of one family, the continuation of George Horn not only sees the survival of Ireland's last master glove maker, it also heralds a new era of those learning the craft. George Horn are also engaged in the training and education of leather crafters and glove makers to ensure that these centuries old skills are preserved in a sustainable and viable way. It's an exciting time and we hope it's a story that you will share with us as you enjoy a pair of hand sewn George Horn gloves.