Pair of Socks thumbnail 1
Pair of Socks thumbnail 2
+1
images
Not on display

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.

  • Sock
  • Sock
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

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 28, 2005
Record URL
Download as: JSON