My paternal grandparents had a beautiful collection of miniature porcelain, metal and wood shoes on their fireplace mantle. I was fascinated by them as a child, because they were pretty, but I had no idea where they came from.
Later, I learned that when my grandparents were newlyweds in 1928, my grandfather borrowed money from his new father in law to open a shoe store. Over the years, the whole family worked in the store on and off, where my grandmother was the ultimate jolly, warm italian sales lady. Family members gave her the tiny shoes as gifts, one by one, until she had a collection of them. By the time I was a teenager, the store was gone, and everyone had moved to different states. I didn't understand the significance of the shoes until both of my grandparents were gone.
I'm lucky to have a few of my grandmother's little shoes in my home. They remind me of early beginnings, and home-grown businesses and family history.
Shoes on the Sill, 10 x 17 Watercolor on paper
(Sold)
3/8/07
Watercolor: Shoes on the Sill
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3 comments:
Lovely story. 8-]
I almost thought you had one of my little "Puss in Boots" I have a small collection of vintage hobnail Fenton glass shoes. The window sill would be a perfect place to display them if I didn't have cats who sit on the sill...Patti P-C
A memorable story, for sure. The painting is striking in its detail and simplicity. Enjoyed visiting your site.
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