In 2013 the Bata Shoe Museum (BSM) organized an exhibition called Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture discussing the evolution of sneakers from sports footwear to fashion accessory. In examining the shoes before they went on display we noticed they were showing signs of active deterioration. Inherent vice is a term used […]
Upon Arrival: A Series on Collections Management
Museum’s are unusual places. Unlike most attractions offering education and entertainment like movie theatres and aquariums to the public, the Bata Shoe Museum not only offers four exhibitions for visitors to explore, but behind the scenes, it also keeps a collection of over 14,000 artefacts. The collection contains footwear that has been made, used and […]
BSM Volunteer Spotlight: Ray Wolanin
We wanted to highlight our volunteers in a new and exciting way! BSM Volunteer Spotlight showcases the incredible projects our volunteers have on the go. For our first spotlight, we are speaking with Ray Wolanin, who is one of our incredible front desk volunteers. We’d love our audience to learn more about you, tell us […]
Sea Me Now: Treatment of a Pair of Deep Sea Diving Boots
These deep sea diver’s boots were made in the 1920s by Siebe Gorman, a company originally based in London, England. They are made with a thick leather boot anchored by a heavy brass sole each weighing 8.2kg (18 lbs). The strap over the vamp is 4cm wide (1 ½”) with 2 narrower straps, 2cm wide […]
Working From Home Part 2
As physical isolation is still in place I’m continuing with treatments in my ad hoc conservation lab at home. The next artefact up for consideration is a fragment of 18thC chintz, a finely woven cotton fabric from Indian featuring a combination of hand drawn and dyed designs, which will be framed for display in the […]
Shoe Business: Art & Sole Academy
Today we are featuring Jennifer Allison from Art & Sole Academy to talk shoe business! What is your background? How did you make your way to the world of shoemaking? I initially studied Fashion Design at Ryerson University and during this time my specialty was evening wear. The thought of designing footwear had never crossed […]
Care in Handling: Transporting Artefacts Around the World
It is a topic that you do not hear about in the public sphere, but one that museums around the world invest in each time they move art objects for the purposes of sharing with other museums. Let me walk you through the process; it is behind-the-scenes work that you might not have imagined. WANT: […]
Shoe Business: Marisa Lawson from Knock Your Socks Off
We are checking in with our friends in local shoe-related businesses to find out how they got interested in shoes (or socks!), where the journey running a niche business has taken them, and what the future holds in a post COVID19 world. Marisa LAWSON ~ Knock Your Socks Off (KYSO) What is your background? What […]
Uncomfortable Histories: Leopold II’s Footwear
At the museum, most of our visitors are often delighted to see baby shoes on display because of their adorably diminutive size and because they function as reminders of the innocence of youth. However, this specific pair has a deeply problematic provenance. These shoes belonged to Léopold Louis Philippe Marie Victor who became Leopold II, […]
Shoe Business: dr. Liza Shoes
We are checking in with our friends in local shoe-related businesses to find out how they got interested in shoes, where the journey running a niche business has taken them, and what the future holds in a post COVID19 world. Sheila Knox, Head of Education and Programs poses the questions. Dr. Liza Egbogah ~ dr. […]