Hunter Museum of American Art Shoe Exhibit – Walk This Way
Hunter Museum of American Art might be considered one of those hidden gems of Chattanooga although you can see the buildings from many spots along the river. You may not realize there is more than one building – a neoclassical mansion, a 1970s Brutalist building, and a 2005 contemporary wing.
My first visit to the Hunter Museum was way back when I was a Brownie. The only thing I remember from the trip was seeing a lot of Christmas trees then my aunt, who lived in Chattanooga, picked my sister and me up.
I will be featuring more posts in the future about the museum and special exhibits along with the East and West Wing. Today let’s talk about something most women love – SHOES.
Walk This Way
A quick note here – this exhibit will only be on display until September 1st, so make plans to visit soon. All exhibits are included in the admission price to the museum. Find all the details about pricing, hours, and exhibits HERE.
Walk This Way: Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes shows many designed by him. Most are by other designers that Stuart has collected. It gives a brief history of the evolution of shoes and how they have not only added to becoming a fashion statement, but even collectibles.
With just a few exceptions on earth, everyone wears a shoe or something to protect their feet from the ground.
This exhibit was organized by The New York Historical, one of America’s preeminent cultural institutions.
The Shoes
The second oldest shoes in the exhibit are a pair of pumps worn by Queen Victoria in the 1860s. It was common for royals to gift items to their ladies in waiting or servants, including personal items such as these shoes. These have a great provenance which increases the value, although it wasn’t revealed. During the last sale of these at an auction, they did sell for five times more than the estimate.
Notice how small they are as Queen Victoria was a tiny person, standing at only 4’8”.
A pair right out of Broadway are these red thigh high boots. Everyone will recognize them from the show Kinky Boots.
An autographed pair by the New York Yankees. These were one of the most interesting to me. They are said to have been signed by 27 members of the 1941 Yankees for a one-time girlfriend of Joe DiMaggio, only identified as “the A1 Girl Fan of the Yanks” – no name.
From celebrities and other well-known names, several pairs were on display.
These peep-toe spectator pumps belonged to Wallis Simpson in the 1940s, who became famous for marrying Kind Edward VIII, who abdicated the British throne to marry Wallis. Making this style of pumps famous, a pair was available in the Sears & Roebuck catalog during this time at an affordable price of $2.19.
Long before Sex & the City made footwear brands a household name, many were designed for celebrities for movies and musicals.
This pair of glass slippers was designed for Cinderella and worn by Laura Osnes in a Broadway performance.
A few more shoes you can enjoy.
About Stuart Weitzman
Born in 1941 on Long Island, New York, he learned from his father at his shoe factory in Massachusetts until 1986 before starting his own namesake brand. Most of his shoes have been made in a small town in Spain, Elda, known for their artisanal shoemaking.
As one of the only skilled patternmakers at this time, he soon could combine the art of fashion and function in each pair of shoes. This combined style and comfort, which we all enjoy in a great pair of shoes.
Visiting Hunter Art Museum
There is a parking onsite, which is validated when you enter your information after you enter the museum.
Of course, there’s a beautiful gift shop to visit with great gift ideas or something for yourself.
This wonderful museum needs to be at the top of the list for those visiting Chattanooga or really for more locals as well.
Other Must Visits Around Chattanooga
Top Museums to Visit in Chattanooga
Ride a Train – Tennessee Valley Railroad
I’ve included affiliate links to Amazon for you to find some products easier. I may receive a small commission, but the price is the same for you. It just helps my blog out.
Happy Travels,
Rosemary
