Pair of Shoes thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Pair of Shoes

1922 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This evening shoe is made of brown satin, with a hand-painted bird motif in tones of blue and gold. The heel is of medium height and is painted in gold. The inset has a brown satin tongue surmounted by a large beaded round appliqué.

The 1920s produced the most exciting shoes of the 20th century, with a tremendous variety of cut, colour and ornamentation. During this period, fashion changed rapidly and shoemaking had to follow closely, producing a legion of styles. Most shoes were high-heeled, and some included tongues, such as this example. The prevalence of influences from East Asia in the early 1920s can be seen in the hand-painted bird, clearly inspired by Chinese motifs.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Shoe
  • Shoe
Materials and techniques
Hand-painted satin and beaded appliqué
Brief description
Woman's evening shoes of hand-painted satin with beaded appliqué, made by Stead and Simpson, London, 1922
Physical description
Woman's evening shoes made of brown satin with a hand-painted bird motif painted across the toe and heels in the tones of blue and gold. The heel is medium-high and painted in gold. The inset has a brown satin tongue which is surmounted by a large beaded round appliqué.
Style
Production typeLimited edition
Marks and inscriptions
'Stead and Simpson Ltd' (Stamped in gold on insole)
Credit line
Given by Mrs C. Connaughton
Summary
This evening shoe is made of brown satin, with a hand-painted bird motif in tones of blue and gold. The heel is of medium height and is painted in gold. The inset has a brown satin tongue surmounted by a large beaded round appliqué.

The 1920s produced the most exciting shoes of the 20th century, with a tremendous variety of cut, colour and ornamentation. During this period, fashion changed rapidly and shoemaking had to follow closely, producing a legion of styles. Most shoes were high-heeled, and some included tongues, such as this example. The prevalence of influences from East Asia in the early 1920s can be seen in the hand-painted bird, clearly inspired by Chinese motifs.
Collection
Accession number
T.737B&C-1974

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Record createdMarch 1, 2004
Record URL
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