Italian Liturgical Shoes
18th/early 19thc

These shoes belonged to Sir Phlip Morrell ( 1870-1943) a Liberal MP who married the aristocrat and society hostess, Lady Ottoline Cavendish-Bentinck (1773 - 1938 )in 1902. The couple shared a passion for art and a strong interest in Liberal politics.  They honeymooned in Italy, returning repeatedly over the subsequent years of their marriage. It was one of the places where they purchased clothes, fabric, and beautiful objects for their home. I would imagine it was on one of these trips that these shoes were purchased. The white rand stitched between the sole and upper is typical of 18th century shoes, as is the hand stitching around the heel of early shoes. The Morrell's bought Garsington Manor near Oxford as their weekend retreat where they entertained the artistic and famous.

Cataloguing

The raspberry red silk grosgrain woven with gold threads, the latchets tied with pink cotton ribbon ending with silver bullion tassels, the latchets, tongue and back edged with gold braid, very shallow heel, the leather sole with a white leather rand, lined in soft white leather.

Toe to heel 11 in; 28 cm

Condition

Whether Morrell wore the shoes we do not know, but as the Morrell's like dressing up, it is quite likely.  They are in remarkably good condition, so perhaps only worn once or twice.   The inside leather is a little marked as are the soles.

Comments

collections.mfa.org/objects/122217

wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Ottoline_Morrell

Price: on request