The Collection

Two hundred pairs, arranged in wings.

Each lot has a number, a condition report and a provenance note. Tap a lot to turn it over and read the report. Please keep your hands to yourself.

Wing A: Worn Once, Regretted Never

Lots 014 to 052

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.
Red sports trainers on a dark background
Lot 031Wing A

The Red Sport

Red, sporty, and never once asked to run for a bus.

Not for sale

Lot 031

Condition
Very good. Heel tab a little proud.
Provenance
Bought in a hurry and displayed with great care.
Curator's note
Walked past more times than is healthy.
Canvas high-top trainers with laces
Lot 052Wing A

The Chucks

Canvas, classic and quietly confident.

Not for sale

Lot 052

Condition
Good. Toe caps show a little character.
Provenance
Purchased in a flurry of enthusiasm, in a shop with excellent lighting.
Curator's note
For those who like their shoes to look as if they have opinions.

Wing B: Bought For Someone Else's Wedding

Lots 087 to 118

A pair of trainers hanging from a rope
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.
A pair of high-top basketball trainers
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.
Red and white canvas trainers on a light background
Lot 118Wing B

The Converse

Fearless in red, fashionable in theory.

Not for sale

Lot 118

Condition
Very good. Laces slightly retired.
Provenance
Bought for one wedding and worn to a different one.
Curator's note
The curator maintains this is not a problem.
A quiet museum hall with arches and a long ceiling

Wings C to Z

Still being catalogued.

The remaining lots are being photographed, numbered and given a condition report. Please stand behind the line.