Pair of Wedding Shoes
ca. 1887 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Shoes with modest heels first came into fashion at the end of the 1850s, after nearly 50 years of low-heeled and flat-soled footwear. During the 1880s, the heel shape became more waisted, echoing the 18th century 'louis' heel. These white silk satin shoes have a moderate 5 cm heel with a slight waist.
In the 19th century, brides often remade their expensive silk dresses into evening or dinner dresses by altering the neckline and sleeves, or chose to get married in a coloured silk dress that could be worn for 'best' afterwards. Even aristocratic brides often had their wedding dresses remodelled to wear for their first presentation at Court as a married woman. Shoes and accessories could easily be tucked away safely as souvenirs, which may explain why this pair has survived in such good condition.
In the 19th century, brides often remade their expensive silk dresses into evening or dinner dresses by altering the neckline and sleeves, or chose to get married in a coloured silk dress that could be worn for 'best' afterwards. Even aristocratic brides often had their wedding dresses remodelled to wear for their first presentation at Court as a married woman. Shoes and accessories could easily be tucked away safely as souvenirs, which may explain why this pair has survived in such good condition.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Silk satin lined with kidskin and cotton, satin ribbon trimming |
| Brief description | Pair of wedding shoes, white silk satin with waisted heel and satin bow at toe, white kid insole and white cotton lining, Great Britain, ca. 1887 |
| Physical description | White silk satin shoes with slightly waisted heel and satin bow at toe. Insole of white kid, rest lined white cotton. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | Wedding accessories from the Nugée family
Many wedding artefacts are preserved because marriage is so significant an event in the lives of the participants. Some pass from one generation to the next, becoming family heirlooms. The Nugée family kept this group of fragile objects because of their importance to the family history. The objects conjure up the romantic prettiness typical of many Victorian weddings.
Shoes
Chapelle
Paris, France
1854
Silk satin, cotton and leather
V&A: T.4:1, 2-2008
Wreath
Britain
1854
Feather and silk-wrapped wire
V&A: T.6-2008
Wedding favours
Britain
1854
Cotton, silk, paper and wire
V&A: T.7, 8-2008
Bridesmaid's fan
Britain
1854
Paper leaf with metal spangles, wooden sticks and guards
Associated with the wedding of Elizabeth Wroughton Richards and Reverend Andrew Nugée, 8 August 1854
V&A: T.14-2008
Shoes
France or Britain
1887
Silk satin, cotton and leather
Associated with the wedding of Edith Elizabeth Alston and Francis Edward Nugée, son of Andrew and Elizabeth Nugée, 1887
V&A: T.5:1, 2-2008
Collection given by Edward Nugée QC(2011) |
| Credit line | Given by Edward Nugée QC |
| Object history | Donor states that these shoes are associated with the wedding of Elizabeth Wroughton Richards to the Reverend Andrew Nugee on 8th August 1854, but the style of the shoes does not correspond to this date at all. They are much more likely to be connected to the couple's son, Francis Edward Nugée's (1855-1930) wedding in 1887, and were probably worn by his bride, Edith Isabel Alston (1859-1958) |
| Summary | Shoes with modest heels first came into fashion at the end of the 1850s, after nearly 50 years of low-heeled and flat-soled footwear. During the 1880s, the heel shape became more waisted, echoing the 18th century 'louis' heel. These white silk satin shoes have a moderate 5 cm heel with a slight waist. In the 19th century, brides often remade their expensive silk dresses into evening or dinner dresses by altering the neckline and sleeves, or chose to get married in a coloured silk dress that could be worn for 'best' afterwards. Even aristocratic brides often had their wedding dresses remodelled to wear for their first presentation at Court as a married woman. Shoes and accessories could easily be tucked away safely as souvenirs, which may explain why this pair has survived in such good condition. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.5:1, 2-2008 |
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| Record created | February 26, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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