Socks 'gaiters'

Women's socks with decorative lacing.

Additional images for this work

Art work details

Year of production:
c. 1812
Maker:
Cotton spun by Mr R Arkwright, socks made by Allen & Solly
Place:
Nottingham
Materials:
cotton
Measurements:
Overall length 25.4cm, foot length 24cm
Tags:
Nottingham, cotton

The label which accompanied these socks to the Great Exhibition in 1851 described them as "Gaiters, Made about the year 1812, cotton spun by Mr R Arkwright".

A print of 1816 shows similar socks being worn by a woman between the shoe and the stocking, probably for warmth. The lacing up the front is purely decorative. One of a collection of historic hosiery exhibited by J R Allen of Allen & Solly at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862.

ID Number: NCM 1985-770/6

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