Shoe-making began in Australia among the penal colonies in 1790 who crafted shoes from imported leather. The first Australian-made shoes were expensive and many people were sent back to England for their shoes until the 1830s. However, in the years after Australian shoe-making became more accessible and affordable. Toward the end of the 19th Century, many wealthy women became obsessed with the latest fashions for both themselves and their children. Shoe-making became a profitable business for several leading companies during the 20th Century, as the industry was seen as a successful and practical item that most Australians required.The baby shoe holds significance as it represents the craftsmanship of Australian leather shoe-making from the 20th Century. As the style of shoe is more modest and stylish, it can be assumed that it was the type of footwear used for the Church Sunday Service or for special occasions, with further gives insight into the social constructs of Chiltern, a rural town in Victoria, at that time.Black leather shoe. Leather sole is black and the inner of the shoe is tan. Discolouration on the shoe due to dirt.chiltern, shoe, footwear, leather shoe, baby shoe, chiltern athenaeum

Boots belonged to donor's grandmother, who was born in 1888. She used to go bush walking in the 1920sBrown boots - laced up - leather - heavily repaired on sole. Scuffed on heels. Fancy stitching around perimeter of boots and over the toes. Long tongue with laces to tie on books. There are 13 eyelets.3 426.36costume, female footwear

Items used by most families in the area in the 1940s to 1980s to protect the heels of their shoes.Cardboard covering displaying tacks and protective plates for 12 pairs. Size OO to be used on mens/ladies/children's shoes to protect the heels.costume accessories, footwear accessories

Shoes worn by donor's Aunt.Red court shoes with black Vinyl heels. There is a pad attached to each shoe under the toe area.AMALFI by Paragon for Peter Sheppard. Made in Italy.costume, female footwear

Shoes were worn by the donor during 1929Soft leather baby shoes. Ankle strap with centre button. Original colour pink, fadeddomestic items, infants

Shoes were worn by the daughter of the donor during 1968White leather upper tee bar sandalClarkes Playtexdomestic items, infants

Worn by Mary Jane Schroder for her marriage to Ralph Pardy Rudd on 24th Nov 1886 in Ceylon.1886 cream kid with ribbon bow on front with apple blossom. Two beaded bows on elastic bands to hold shoe on foot. See also Wedding bodice NA3580, fan NA3582 and bridal headdress NA3489.costume, female footwear

not knownBrown leather boots with front zip. Lined with sheepskin. Tag sewn on inside of left boot.costume, female footwear

Worn by Joan Stewart in 1930'sBlack leather and suede court style shoes. Open cut, suede trim with bow on front, cuban heelcostume, female footwear

Worn by Joan Stewart in 1930'sBlack rubber overshoe. Closes with two fasteners on the outside of the footMade by Dunlop ENGLANDcostume, female footwear

Bought at local Op Shop for displayMade in 1990's in the style of the 1970'sBlack suede tee bar buckle (2.3cm) shoe with platform sole and 9cm shaped heel.Fine leather upper, balance, man made.costume, female footwear

One of the earlier nylon stocking from the WW2 era. Many believed they would melt off the legs if you stood too close to the fire.One of the earlier nylon stockingscostume, female footwear

Belonged to donor's husband in 1990sWorn in 1990sBlack leather slip on shoes size 9EEE. Moccasin style with tongue and narrow stitched leather band across tongue with silver coloured metal trim.Florsheimcostume, male footwear

White leather flat shoes with straps across ankle fastened with a button. Shoe has rounded toe. Punched pattern around instep. Low heel with rubber solecostume, female footwear

Black T-bar high heeled shoes. Rounded toe with three straps across instep. Narrow tapered heelsGaiety Shoes Size 5Dcostume, female footwear

Shoes bought at Myers MelbourneBlack leather court shoe. Black patent square toe and Cubin heel.Sandler Australiacostume accessories, female, costume, female footwear

Tortoiseshell shoe horncostume accessories, footwear accessories

Purchased by member of Whitehorse Historical Society to add to the collection of Costume AccessoriesBlack, high-heeled shoes. Platform soles; two strap sandal-type, with ankle strap and silver buckle fastening. Synthetic material, covering of silver glitter.Pierre Fontaine (6)costume, female footwear

Brown leather riding leggings/gaiters with two straps and buckles.costume accessories, footwear accessories

Blue child's shoes patterned with holes on frontcostume, children's footwear

Child's White leather shoes with bow on front.Sally Horner Growing Up with Glamour.costume, children's footwear

Pair oyster coloured satin covered leather shoes, leather soles and stiletto heel.Seeba by Holmes, Norwich|Leather Soles 5B| Licence made in Australia by Holmes-Seeba 895costume, female footwear

Used by donor's mother (1926 - 2015) who lived in Camberwell and Box Hill from the 1950's1 pair cone suede heeled shoes size 3. Right shoe has a rectangle metal cream buckle. Left shoe has buckle missing Leather sole and heel with leather and cotton lining Above buckle is a pointed feature3 sizecostume, female footwear

Envelope containing velvet heel grip'The Superb' Velvet Heel Gripcostume accessories, footwear accessories

Used to catch buttons and pull them through eyelets on button up boots and shoes.Button hook set - black oblong box lined with dark blue satin and velvet containing four button hooks of various sizes. Hooks are silver plated with ornate handles.costume accessories, footwear accessories

Small silver coated button hook used to catch buttons and pull them through eyelets of boots and shoes.costume accessories, footwear accessories

Used as advertising material by Nugget Boot Polish Co.Silver coated button hook'Use Nugget Polish'costume accessories, footwear accessories

Black satin shoes with seed pearl decoration across the instep and buttoned on sides. High Heels.Made in Australia for Hicks Atkinson and Sons Pty Ltd, Collins Street Melbourne.costume, female footwear

Wooden shoe trees in boots - donated by Cotton FamilyHigh brown leather male riding boots.costume, male footwear