Title
Black and white photograph of John and Joseph Jordan.
Reference
YA2005.71/5
Production date
-04-1935 - -04-1935
Creator
Scope and Content
The photograph shows John and Joseph Jordan with a selection of celluloid heels and one complete pair of shoes, taken by T. Renshaw in April 1935.
Physical description
Fair condition. Loss of material in lower right corner.
Level of description
ITEM
Repository name
Science and Industry Museum
Associated people and organisations
- Jordan, Joseph LouisBiographyBiography
Joseph Jordan lived in Gorton, Manchester, and in Reddish, Stockport. He owned a boot and shoe repair shop in Oldham, Lancashire, with his brother John until 1963.
In 1934, he developed a non-flammable celluloid shoe heel with his brother, which could be illuminated by an internal lightbulb. The brothers worked on a variety of styles, shapes and colours which were intended to match the outfits worn by dancers in chorus lines. It was the brothers' intention to create jobs for local unemployed workers through the manufacture of the heels.
Joseph Jordan went on to develop other ideas, such as electrical equipment to ensure safe landing of aircraft in darkness, fog and mist, and anti-dazzle glasses for car drivers. None of his inventions went into production.
- Renshaw, TBiographyBiography
T. Renshaw was a press photographer based at 11 Abbey Street, Higher Openshaw, Manchester. He is known to have been active in 1935.
Subject
Conditions governing access
Open access.
Conditions governing Reproduction
Image created by T. Renshaw, possibly for Allied Newspapers. Allied Newspapers became part of Kemsley Newspapers, parts of which are now owned by Associated Newspapers. Apply to Associated Newspapers for permission to reproduce.
