Step back in time to see shoe collection at Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh is showing a collection of shoes from the past 100 years. The display is on from now until 20th December 2019 and admission is free.

Go along and see shoes worn by babies, brewers and service people in the eighteen century to the present along with film footage, background stories and photographs that bring their stories alive.

See dresses and shoes worn by women at dinner dances at the Balmoral Hotel, formerly known as the North British Hotel and contrast that with shoes worn by women in the Army in World War II.

For those who want to see a touch of elegance, there is a pair of gold leather evening shoes sold in Darlings department store in Edinburgh back in the 1930s.

Moviegoers are catered for too as there are shoes on display by designers Anello and Davide of London who designed shoes for Marilyn Monroe and The Beatles, which set trends in High Street shoe shops.

Brewer’s clogs

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said : “Museums & Galleries Edinburgh hold thousands of historic treasures on behalf of the City and its visitors. This charming and free exhibition is another glimpse into the history of the people of Edinburgh from all walks of life and it’s great that we are able to show them in the Museum of Edinburgh. 

“Exhibitions
like this add to the diversity of experiences people can enjoy in our
venues. Whether you’re a fine art fan, interested in history or just
want to see something out of the ordinary, we have something for
everyone to enjoy”.

Curator Vicky Garrington said: “We’ve chosen shoes as the subject of our new exhibition as they’re something everyone can relate to, whether or not they’re interested in fashion. The baby shoes in their bunny box may spark childhood memories, while everyone can appreciate the craftsmanship that’s gone into making the stunning pair of glazed leather slippers from the 1870s”.

Venue Details:

Address:                     Museum of Edinburgh, 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD

Telephone:                 0131 529 4143

Website:                     edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Twitter:                       @EdinCulture

Facebook:                   facebook.com/museumofedinburgh

Instagram:                 instagram.com/museumsgalleriesedinburgh

Opening hours:          Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm

Women’s Land Army shoes
  • Platform shoes
    Shoes from yester year