During a recent research trip to Historic Deerfield to study 18th century London shoes, I was thrilled to find another pair of shoes by London cordwainers Ridout and Davis, the subject of my forthcoming book. Although much altered - the heel was drastically cut down altering the proportions of the shoes - they are nonetheless quite valuable for study and as indicators of changing style and taste. The polychrome brocaded silk shoes are lined with a plain weave linen and boast the maker's label. Reportedly they were worn at the Lafayette Ball in Newport in 1779. Acc. #HD F.464, Gift of Mrs. Helen Geier Flynt.
Thank you to Ned Lazaro, Collections Manager, for his kind and generous assistance with this project.
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