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Curator Talk with Afternoon Tea: Footwear Stories
Location: Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Date(s): Thursday 21 May 2026 1-3pm
Cost: £30 per person

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.