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

Pair of Boots

1812-1820 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In the early years of the 19th century boots gradually became acceptable for women. By 1804, half-boots with front lacing and ribbon trimmings, like this pair, had started to appear in fashion illustrations for 'walking' or 'morning' dress. Hardwearing cottons – the striped uppers are made of cotton jean – became increasingly available and were used as alternatives to leather. Heroines in novels by Jane Austen (1775-1817) are often described wearing footwear of this kind.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Boot
  • Boot
Materials and techniques
Leather sole, and cotton jean uppers with a silk rosette
Brief description
Blue and white striped cotton boots, British, 1812-1820
Physical description
Pair of women's striped cotton half-boots with a low heel and rounded toe
Dimensions
  • Height: 160mm
  • Width: 70mm
  • Depth: 230mm
Per boot. Measured by Conservation, 2012.
Gallery label
Blue and white striped cotton boot British, 1812 - 1820 Museum no. T.509-1913 Given by Messrs. Harrods Ltd.(2007)
Credit line
Given by Messrs Harrods Ltd.
Summary
In the early years of the 19th century boots gradually became acceptable for women. By 1804, half-boots with front lacing and ribbon trimmings, like this pair, had started to appear in fashion illustrations for 'walking' or 'morning' dress. Hardwearing cottons – the striped uppers are made of cotton jean – became increasingly available and were used as alternatives to leather. Heroines in novels by Jane Austen (1775-1817) are often described wearing footwear of this kind.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
T.509&A-1913

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Record createdMarch 4, 2003
Record URL
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