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Home » Talks and Tours » Curator Talk with Afternoon Tea: Footwear Stories

Curator Talk with Afternoon Tea: Footwear Stories

Location: Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Date(s): Thursday 21 May 2026 1-3pm

Cost: £30 per person

two tiered cake plate with scones, strawberries and mini chocolage cakes

Join us for a fascinating afternoon as Rebecca Shawcross, Curator, delves into the powerful and often surprising meanings hidden within the museum’s world‑renowned footwear collection.

In Footwear Stories, Rebecca invites you to explore how shoes have served as far more than practical objects for thousands of years. Each pair can reveal our occupations, origins, identities and the communities we belong to—often before we say a single word. From signals of status and wealth to expressions of cultural heritage, sexuality and personal style, shoes hold extraordinary stories about who we are and how we choose to be seen.

After the talk, continue the experience with a relaxing afternoon tea in the museum café, included in the ticket price.

Event Includes

  • Curator talk in the Central Hall
  • Exclusive insights into the museum’s shoe collection
  • Afternoon tea in the Museum Café
  • Q&A opportunity with Rebecca Shawcross

Booking essential. Treat yourself—or bring a friend—for an afternoon of culture, conversation and cake.

Book online for Curator Talk and Afternoon Tea

Tickets are also available to purchase direct from the museum either in person or by calling 01604 526322, Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sundays 12-5pm

Dietary requirements: we’ll do our best to accommodate these, please contact us on museums@westnorthants.gov.uk for more information.