Shoe
Date1760-1770
Artist/Maker
John Hose
OriginEngland; worn in America
MediumSilk (Exterior); Leather (Sole); Linen (Lining); Silk Threads (Construction)
DimensionsLength: 8 1/4 "; Height: 4 1/2"; Width: 2 5/8".
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-106,1
DescriptionWoman's shoe constructed of cream-color silk brocaded with blue, rose, and green floral design, and bound with blue silk. Shoe is made with rounded toe and slightly pointed latchets intended to buckle over curved tongue. Shaped heel, 2 1/4" high. Leather and linen linings, white rand.. Shoe has partly torn paper label of John Hose glued to the insole and ink marks on tongue lining that appear to read "4-17 W," possibly referring to a size 4 wide.Construction History:
1. 1760-1770: Shoes initially constructed
2. Unknown Date: Darning and repairs to floral figures over much of exterior, particularly at vamp area.
3. 1954: Original silk binding replaced with blue silk tape (Ernest LaNano)
MarkingsLabel in both shoes: " Made by John Hose at the Rose in Cheapside Near Milk St., London." Marks inside shoe: 4-17 W
ProvenanceInformation on a slip of paper found in one of the shoes stated that the shoes were "Grandmother Bowen's slippers worn by her mother at a ball where she danced with Gen. Geo. Washington." The identity and location of Grandmother Bowen are unknown.
