Not on display

Children's Shoes

ca. 1851 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
These shoes were part of a group of women's and children's footwear shown by C.S. Gillman at the Great Exhibition of 1851. This pair is quite practical, but some of the examples, such as a velvet boot trimmed with swansdown, were more likely to have been specially made to show that he could produce styles in rich materials and create unusual effects.

Design
In contrast with shoes today, these are what were called 'straights': they do not have different shapes for the left and right foot. Some firms, such as Clarks, were already making footwear which had broad soles and supported the ankle, but apart from the flat sole the design of these shoes makes almost no allowance for the fact that a very young child would wear them.

Social Class
With the growth of the shoe industry during the 19th century, parents could buy a greater variety of children's styles like these, but this was of no help to poor children. They wore old and badly fitting shoes, sometimes padded out with paper. Many went barefoot. When education became compulsory and schools required the children to wear shoes, many faced a stark choice. If they went to school barefoot they would receive a punishment, but if they stayed away their parents would be fined.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Shoe
  • Shoe
Materials and techniques
Velvet and leather, with patent leather toecap
Brief description
Pair of children's shoes, black velvet with bows and patent toecap, cream kid lining, made in England, ca. 1851
Dimensions
  • Height: 6cm
  • Length: 12.5cm
  • Width: 3.7cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 29/08/2000 by ET
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
British Galleries:
SHOES

The exhibiting shoemakers emphasised the variety of styles and novelty of construction of the shoes they showed. The elastic panels of these women's boots eliminated the need for laces and button fastenings and allowed the foot to move freely. It was claimed that the Queen regularly wore this type of boot. The children's shoes are more traditional in design.
Credit line
Given by the maker
Object history
Made in England for the Great Exhibition by the firm of C.S. Gilman. Originally accessioned as A.P.557&A
Summary
Object Type
These shoes were part of a group of women's and children's footwear shown by C.S. Gillman at the Great Exhibition of 1851. This pair is quite practical, but some of the examples, such as a velvet boot trimmed with swansdown, were more likely to have been specially made to show that he could produce styles in rich materials and create unusual effects.

Design
In contrast with shoes today, these are what were called 'straights': they do not have different shapes for the left and right foot. Some firms, such as Clarks, were already making footwear which had broad soles and supported the ankle, but apart from the flat sole the design of these shoes makes almost no allowance for the fact that a very young child would wear them.

Social Class
With the growth of the shoe industry during the 19th century, parents could buy a greater variety of children's styles like these, but this was of no help to poor children. They wore old and badly fitting shoes, sometimes padded out with paper. Many went barefoot. When education became compulsory and schools required the children to wear shoes, many faced a stark choice. If they went to school barefoot they would receive a punishment, but if they stayed away their parents would be fined.
Other number
AP.557 - Previous number
Collection
Accession number
T.278&A-1963

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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