Shoe Collection
The collection
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is home to one of the largest collections of shoes and shoe heritage in the world. Arts Council England designates the collection as being of local, national and international importance. The collection's strength lies in its very broad range, from ancient Egypt to the latest fashions and from Northamptonshire-made shoes to footwear from around the world.
History of the shoe collection
Within three years of the museum’s foundation in 1865, records show boots and shoes were donated. The first was a pair of women’s slip-on shoes from India. In 1873, shoe factory owner Moses Philip Manfield suggested that displays of locally manufactured footwear would give shoe workers a standard to aim for and a sense of pride in their work. What then followed was a series of local and nationally significant donations and the collection continues to grow today.
Our other shoe related collections
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Accessories
We have buckles, laces, shoe horns, shoes, spats, leggings and polish
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Archive
We have trade journals, catalogues, books, instruction manuals, designs and invoices
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Concealed shoes
We hold the concealed shoe database and a small collection of concealed shoes
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Fine and Decorative Art
We have paintings, prints and decorative items showing shoes and shoemaking
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Photographs
We have images of shoemakers, factories and shoe shops
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Retail
We have retail trade furniture, fittings and advertising material
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Shoemakers Index
We have an index of shoemakers and shoemaking firms
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Shoes
We have around 15,000 shoes
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Tools
We have shoe making tools, machines, components and lasts
How can we help you?
The history of Northampton shoemaking
Northampton and the county has a long history of shoemaking. If you want to find out what it was like to work in the industry from 1200 onwards then have a look at these resources.
What do you think? Which style are you wearing today?
Concealed shoes
The practice of concealing boots and shoes in buildings has fascinated people for centuries. We support research in this area and hold a register of concealed shoe finds. If you find a shoe let us know.
Our new Shoe Gallery
The new permanent Shoe Gallery celebrates the wonderful world of footwear. At the very heart of the gallery are the stories of the people who design, make and wear shoes.