First certified glove makers in 47 years

It has been 47 years since Sweden last certified a glove maker. It was therefore significant when Anton Magnusson and Niklas Magnusson received their journeyman certificates in glove making on February 9, 2012. As a result, the number of certified glove makers in Sweden doubled. “We’re proud to be able to carry a unique craft tradition onward,” says Niklas, who along with his cousin Anton belongs to the fourth generation of the Hestra glove company.

Anton Magnusson and Niklas Magnusson, both 22, have spent three years studying with Anders Malmgren, 78, who has been one of two sole expert glove makers in Sweden for a long time. They have also practiced regularly in Hungary and Romania which are currently two of the world’s leading countries in the profession.

The two cousins hope the title will not only be personally significant, but that they can also help carry the unique expertise onward. The glove making craft is nearly extinct in Sweden and sharply declining in the rest of Europe. “Because of competition from low-wage countries in the 1950s and 1960s, the craft has essentially completely died out,” says Anton.

Their passion for handicrafts and glove making is no coincidence: Anton and Niklas belong to the fourth generation of the 75-year old glove company Hestra, which is in over 20 countries. The company is best known for its sport gloves, but is also growing in the fashion glove industry. Anton and Niklas’ skills will therefore be valuable.

The cousins also study at the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås and at Lund University, respectively. They intend to use their education and unique expertise in glove making to run the 75-year old family business in the future. Anton and Niklas have one brother each, Jonas Magnusson and Jacob.

Press contact U.S: Dino Dardano, President hestra USA Phone: 303.384-0815 dino@hestrausa.com

Press contact worldwide: Jenny Kvarnlöf, Marketing coordinator jenny.kvarnlof@hestragloves.se phone: +46 (0)70 533 97 03

Published Feb. 10, 2012