What is it about?
Emil Reich, as an Austrian Jew had to flee to this country in the 1930s to escape Nazi persecution. Trained in Engineering and textile production, he established an important glovemaking business with 3 branches in the Midlands. As well as becoming an important employer, he helped professionalise the trade and was a successful exporter. Additionally he claimed to have helped the war effort by designing heated pilots' gloves.
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Why is it important?
Till now, Emil Reich has not been the subject of study within Exile Studies, so that his pre-emigration story has not been told in detail. He has remained a subject of local of interest but now joins the bigger story of successful refugee entrepreneurs.
Perspectives
I was able to research Reich's studies in Vienna, to look at glovemaking archives in the City of London and also to speak to local people who had worked in Reich's company.
Anna Nyburg
Imperial College London
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This page is a summary of: Emil Reich: Refugee Glovemaker and Innovator, August 2025, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004741348_007.
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