Artistically Distressed Shoe Tree

An antique solid wood shoe tree splattered with turquoise paint. Sometimes called a shoe 'last' or 'stretcher', this item was made bespoke for an individual by the English luxury department store Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, circa 1910. 

Although originally intended to be a tool for maintaining the shape of shoes, this object now transcends its humble function. The high quality of the shoe tree's construction and materials mean it has aged very well. Both the beech and brass are beautifully patinated and rich in colour. In addition to the gold and honey colour of the wood and metal, the object features droplets and splashes of a vibrant blue paint. This addition (presumably a consequence of an accident) emphasises the sculptural shape of the objects' form and resultantly it displays wonderfully as an art object.