1913 Black shoes
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1910-1920 A pair of shoes in black patent leather.
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One of the shoes from the side
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The buckle on one of the shoes
Description
The shoes are in the Cromwell style.
The cut-steel buckle shape trim on the instep has ruched black silk grosgrain in the centre, and is 2⅜" wide and 1⅝" high; there is a small elastic gusset under the tab.
The 2¾" high Louis heels are black lacquered wood.
The vamps are lined with grey cotton twill, and the quarters with tan leather which have an section of pale grey suede round the lower part of the back. There is some faint writing in cream on one side which is probably the size and model number. The sock is tan leather.
The soles are made of black leather, which continues down the heel breast, and the size, 4, is incised on each instep.
Cromwell was the name given to a style of shoe with a high vamp and a tongue or tab, usually with a buckle, or some similar trim, on the instep. It was inspired by 17th century styles, and the name refers to Oliver Cromwell, the parliamentary leader.
They belonged to Norah Lush who lived in Ealing, London.
Contemporary illustrations
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Fashion drawing in Woman at Home, 1913
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Fashion drawing in The Delineator, February 1914
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Fashion drawing in The Delineator, February 1914
Contemporary items
More shoes from the Hopkins Collection can be seen in Footwear, published by The School of Historical Dress and available from the Hopkins Costume Trust bookshop.