From policemen to punks and favourable flights of fancy to unmistakable fashion faux pas, Doc Martens have experienced various transitions across the decades. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic footwear with an exhibition displaying material from the museum's own collection as well as artefacts from Dr Martens' own archive.
Dr Martens at 50: The Making of an Icon tells the story of the boots from their first hop off the production line in East Northamptonshire, to their current cult status among youth culture. Klaus Martëns, a German doctor during World War II, developed the shoe after discovering his army boots gave no support to an ankle injury caused after a skiing accident in Bavaria. Soft leather and air-padded soles were the answers to his ailments, and in 1947 he convinced an old university friend, Dr Herbert Funck, to venture into business with him, selling the new design.
Admission free. Lunchtime talk in the Gallery at 1pm, April 13. Call 01604 838 111 for more details.
In addition, to celebrate the 50th anniversary, Dr. Martens have asked ten bands/musicians to record their version of cult classics that represent the spirit of over the past five decades. The first three will be released on 1st April 2010:
Admission free. Lunchtime talk in the Gallery at 1pm, April 13. Call 01604 838 111 for more details.
In addition, to celebrate the 50th anniversary, Dr. Martens have asked ten bands/musicians to record their version of cult classics that represent the spirit of over the past five decades. The first three will be released on 1st April 2010:
- Noisettes - Ever Fallen In Love With Someone? (Buzzcocks)
- Dam-Funk - The Things Dreams are Made of (Human League)
- The Duke Spirit - If The Kids are United (Sham 69)
