Portsmouth Historical Society
www.PortsmouthHistory.org
Portsmouth, NH (USA)
Sandra Rux, Curator
We are (happily) staggered by a wealth of little-known collections with shoes, boots and slippers, which we have been fortunate enough to visit this summer. Many wonderful winter hours of archival research await. However, with a number of deadlines fast approaching, ample time is elusive.
Therefore, kind readers, please indulge us as we post images with limited information at this time, knowing that you will learn more as we do and as time permits. This post is the first of several highlighting our summer travels.
(43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH. USA www.Facebook.com/JohnPaulJonesHouse) initially to look at a pair of shoes from the shop of London cordwainers, Chamberlain & Sons, Cheapside; we have now returned on several occasions to view this fine collection of historic footwear.
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| Chamberlain & Sons, London Pink silk lachet/buckle shoes, 1775-1785 Lovely examples of shoes by the Chamberlains may be found in the collection of Historic New England. |
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| Interior label |
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| Chamberlain & Sons, London Note contrasting silks, emphasizing the thin, narrow "peg" heel which contrasts with the decades earlier, thicker Louis heel. |
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| Label for French cordwainer from Bordeaux |
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| Cream silk shoe, c. 1784 Note metallic "spangles" ornamenting the toe. |
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| Excellent example of "exotic" kid slippers with Alhambra-esque printed pattern, c. 1780-90s. This is a quality slipper with a high level of finish detail. Note the very low leather heel. |
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| Detail of above |
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| Pink kid slipper, printed with stylized, geometric floral motif, c. 1780-1790s. These slippers were widely popular: an very similar pair is in the Snowshill Collection (www.NationalTrust.org.uk) Please note, all images are courtesy of the Portsmouth Historical Society. The artifacts in this post are not currently on view- contact the Curator at the above links for access. Look for more "Shoe Sojourns" around New England......  |
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