Antique Blue and Red Robert Box Kilim Weave Shoes

Code: 10431

These are a pair of blue and red kilim weave shoes with blue silk bows. Kilim weave was imported from Turkey and the Middle East in the 19th century and was a popular material for shoes. They have a Robert Box, Regent Street, London label in one shoe.

Robert Box was apprenticed to 'ladies shoemaker' James Sly in 1816 at the age of 15. When the business moved to Regent Street in 1824, he became James's right hand man, taking  over the business in 1832 when James retired. He gained a reputation for fine work, participating in international exhibitions and awarded Royal Warrants. The business was transferred to Robert's son in 1862 and from then on it was known as Joseph Box.  For further reading see 'Stepping Out. Three Centuries of Shoes' Louise Mitchell, Powerhouse Publishing, 2008.

 There is some wear  to the kilim at front toes where the lining is showing through. Inner sole worn. The silk bows are faded and a little fragile. 

Length 25 cms. Width 6 cms. 

I have a second pair in a different colourway in better condition. At first I thought they would have been purchased by the same customer but they are different sizes, these the larger.