McCORMACK Matthew

Associate Professor of History, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and of the Higher Education Academy

University of Northampton

Research expertise

Eighteenth-century political culture; issues of gender; role of masculinity in debates about citizenship.

Contributions

Objects

Shoes

The study of footwear contributes to our understanding of sociability in the eighteenth century in several respects. Shoes were an important part of the dress ensemble for both men and women, so changing styles can highlight shifts in eighteenth-century fashions. Shoes also affected bodily posture and movement, so related to the activities of elite society.

Buckles

Buckles were used to fasten shoes in the eighteenth century, as well as other articles of clothing such as breeches and hats. Because they were small, metallic and detachable, they offered opportunities for decoration and the ostentatious display of wealth.
Objects