Pair of Socks
1990 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The fanciful design on these socks illustrate the trend for novelty socks and hosiery in the late 1980s and 1990s. Such informal wardrobe elements became so popular that specialised socks and hosiery stores such as Sock Shop (where these examples were purchased in 1990) sprang up around Europe and North America. In explaining the potential motives for selecting such whimsical personal adornment, the Sock Shop website stated, 'There's no shortage of wacky socks on the market. From cartoon characters to catchphrases these socks are usually worn by people who like to be noticed. Socks like these are a good conversation starter and the wearer usually has a strong interest in the subject' (Sock Shop website, 2006).
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Cotton, nylon polyamide and elastane |
| Brief description | Pair of ankle-socks of cotton, nylon polyamide and elastane, retailed by Sock Shop, England, 1990 |
| Physical description | Pair of ankle-socks of cotton, nylon polyamide and elastane. Brightly coloured and decorated with a design inspired by masks of African tribal art. |
| Credit line | Given by Michael Snodin |
| Object history | Registered File number 1991/2073. The bright colours and the masks on these socks are drawn from African tribal art. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | The fanciful design on these socks illustrate the trend for novelty socks and hosiery in the late 1980s and 1990s. Such informal wardrobe elements became so popular that specialised socks and hosiery stores such as Sock Shop (where these examples were purchased in 1990) sprang up around Europe and North America. In explaining the potential motives for selecting such whimsical personal adornment, the Sock Shop website stated, 'There's no shortage of wacky socks on the market. From cartoon characters to catchphrases these socks are usually worn by people who like to be noticed. Socks like these are a good conversation starter and the wearer usually has a strong interest in the subject' (Sock Shop website, 2006). |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.178:1, 2-1991 |
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| Record created | June 28, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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