Pair of Boots thumbnail 1
Pair of Boots thumbnail 2
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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 125b

This object consists of 3 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Pair of Boots

1890-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Half-boots (ankle boots) were popular for men from the 1830s right up to the Depression in the 1930s. They came in a wide range of styles, including those with elastic sides, cloth tops, front laces or side-button fastenings. Most were made of leather, as this was more hard-wearing. Contrasting colours and fancy embroidery stitches were also popular.

Ownership & Use
Boots were still more commonly worn than shoes by men throughout the 19th century, and were regarded as more formal for day wear. Half-boots were usually worn under the trousers.

Design & Designing
The most popular styles were the button boot, front-laced boot and elastic-sided boot. Side-buttoned boots were fashionable from the 1830s and were gradually adopted by women. Boots were often named after famous places or people. The front-laced boots called Balmorals, for example, were named after Queen Victoria's Scottish estate.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Boot
  • Boot
  • Shoe Tree
Materials and techniques
Cloth and patent leather, with pearl buttons, machine and hand-sewn
Brief description
Pair of gentleman's leather shoes, England, ca.1900
Physical description
Pair of gentleman's above ankle length boots made from black patent leather with side buttoning and beige cloth gaiter top. The buttons are made of white pearl. The patent leather runs up the back of the heel. The lining is of linen, except for the top and opening which are leather faced. Written inside in ink (which must, from its position, have been done before the boot was closed) is 'Goldschmidt Rothschild Esq.' and inside the button stand is written 88184.'
Dimensions
  • Height: 16cm
  • Width: 9.5cm
  • Length: 28cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 13/05/1999 by LH
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Goldschmidt Rothschild Esq.' (Written inside in ink)
  • '88184' (Written inside button stand)
Gallery label
British Galleries: Cloth-top boots became very fashionable in the late19th century. It was even acceptable for men to wear them with smart city clothes. The tops were sometimes made to match the colour of the trousers. They were also worn by women.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by Mr K. R. Harman
Object history
Made by Thomas of St James's Street, London
Summary
Object Type
Half-boots (ankle boots) were popular for men from the 1830s right up to the Depression in the 1930s. They came in a wide range of styles, including those with elastic sides, cloth tops, front laces or side-button fastenings. Most were made of leather, as this was more hard-wearing. Contrasting colours and fancy embroidery stitches were also popular.

Ownership & Use
Boots were still more commonly worn than shoes by men throughout the 19th century, and were regarded as more formal for day wear. Half-boots were usually worn under the trousers.

Design & Designing
The most popular styles were the button boot, front-laced boot and elastic-sided boot. Side-buttoned boots were fashionable from the 1830s and were gradually adopted by women. Boots were often named after famous places or people. The front-laced boots called Balmorals, for example, were named after Queen Victoria's Scottish estate.
Collection
Accession number
T.6&A-1970

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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