The Bata Shoe Museum’s collection of footwear worn by the cultures living in the world’s circumpolar region is the largest comprehensive collection in existence. These shoes and boots are made to withstand some of the harshest climates that humans can endure. Whether they are made from seal, caribou, or fish, they can provide the warmth […]
From the Vault: Yup’ik socks
Take a peek into our 14,000+ collection with our blog series, From the Vault! Every other week, we’re sharing interesting stories about one of our artefacts. What is the provenance of this pair? When did they enter the BSM collection? This is a pair of Yup’ik socks from Alaska. It was acquired from the Richard […]
Walking Through Winter
By Creative Director & Senior Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack This winter has been one full of more than the average amount of ice and snow here in Toronto. However, difficult winters are nothing new. Indeed snow is a perennial challenge across the globe and navigating through it has been dealt with in ingenious ways by different […]
Spotlight on Conservation: Gutskin Parka (Part 2)
Mounting the gutskin parka for the Arctic exhibition required some creativity. It is so light and translucent and we wanted to impart these features to museum guests. Putting the parka on a mannequin wouldn’t be suitable since the intestine when dry is brittle, making for a very stiff form. We decided to use an acrylic […]
Travels to the Czech Republic: Part I
Since we’re all stuck at home these days, I thought I’d jump into the way-back machine and visit 2011. I have been incredibly fortunate to be able to travel with work, whether it takes me to an international conference or somewhere new to install a traveling exhibition. In April 2011, I went to the Czech […]
Spotlight on Conservation: Gutskin Parka (Part I)
Unrolled parka While it might not look like it at first glance, this rolled up bundle is a parka made and worn by Irene Davis of Nunivik Island, Alaska. The parka was slated for display in our Arctic-themed exhibition Art and Innovation but in order to assess its condition for display the parka had to […]
From the Vault: Fish Skin Boots
Take a peek into our 14,000+ collection with our blog series, From the Vault! Every other week, we’re sharing interesting stories about one of our artefacts. What is the provenance of this pair? When did they enter the BSM collection? This pair of fish skin boots was made by the Nanai seamstress Ann Michailovna Beldi. […]
Upon Arrival: Accessioning new acquisitions
The cover and inside contents of a doll’s shoemaking kit, circa 1900. Bata Shoe Museum accession number 2020.0053.A-Nxvii. To continue on the Upon Arrival blog series on Collections Management, I’ll write today about how new items coming into the collection at the Bata Shoe Museum are accessioned. This is the next step in processing new […]
Indigenous Fashion Week: Bobby Itta Designs
As Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO) goes completely virtual, we wanted to take the opportunity and introduce you to five extraordinary Indigenous designers. Each day we’ll feature someone new and ask the same set of questions, from what gives them joy to how important community is. Our series will showcase their stories, offer a glimpse […]
Indigenous Fashion Week: Louise Solomon, Hand of Solomon
As Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO) goes completely virtual, we wanted to take the opportunity and introduce you to five extraordinary Indigenous designers. Each day we’ll feature someone new and ask the same set of questions, from what gives them joy to how important community is. Our series will showcase their stories, offer a glimpse […]