Male and female genitalia adorn a pair of silk gloves in ‘Friends Gloves 1’ and ‘Friends Gloves 11’ (both 1979). While the male member is clearly identifiable, the female could be mistaken for a decorative design, a sardonic commentary perhaps on the related expectations, assumptions and inequalities between men and women.

Gloves are a recurring and important motif in Su Richardson’s work, used to symbolise the work done with one’s hands, the need for extra helping hands and the propriety associated with keeping one’s hands clean - while also nodding to how hands can cuddle, project and enfold loved ones.