A single pair of white trainers displayed under soft spotlight

The Stephen Collection · Private archive of footwear

201 pairs. Zero regrets. Viewing by appointment.

A serious collection, catalogued with care and displayed with slightly too much pride. Every lot has a number, a condition report and a note on where it has been.

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pairs, all accounted for

A note from the curator

Every pair has a story. Most of them involve one outing.

The collection began with [Stephen to add where the first pair came from]. Since then it has grown to 200 pairs, each one photographed, numbered and kept well away from the kitchen.

Visitors are asked to keep their hands to themselves and their opinions to the tea.

Read about the curator

Featured lots

Three lots the curator wants you to see first.

Red and white trainers on a plain background

Lot 014Wing A

The Red and White

Admired from a respectful distance. Still the first pair people ask about.

Not for sale

Lot 014

Condition: Excellent, considering the amount of looking.
Provenance: Acquired on a Tuesday, for reasons the curator prefers not to discuss.
Curator's note: Laces checked twice. Admired once.

Lot 087Wing B

The Hanging Pair

Suspended for everyone's protection. Not to be attempted at home.

Not for sale

Lot 087

Condition: Excellent. Hanging is a very good look.
Provenance: Bought for a wedding that did not, in the end, need them.
Curator's note: Please do not try this at home.

Lot 103Wing B

The Jordan

Please do not touch. Look with your eyes, as nature intended.

Not for sale

Lot 103

Condition: Immaculate, which is the problem.
Provenance: Acquired at a sale the curator attended with great restraint.
Curator's note: No touching. Look with your eyes.

A grand hall with rows of arches and a symmetrical ceiling

Viewing by appointment

Come and look. Gently.

Viewings are arranged by hand, for small groups, in a room with excellent lighting and a strict no-touching policy.

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