Title
Jordans Shoes collection
Reference
YA2005.71
Production date
1934 - 1937
Creator
- 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.
- Chambers, JBiographyBiography
J Chambers was an engineer and patternmaker based at 1 Sussex Street, Regent Road, Salford. He specialised in modelmaking and experimental work for patentees.
- Barlow Gillett and PercivalBiographyBiography
Barlow, Gillett and Percival were Chartered Patent Agents based at Mansfield Chambers, 17 St Ann's Square, Manchester.
- 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.
- Esquire Enterprises LtdBiographyBiography
Esquire Enterprises Ltd was a theatrical production company based at Upper Grosvenor Street, Park Lane, London. The director was Cecil Landeau.
- Allied Newspapers LtdBiographyBiography
Allied Newspapers Ltd was a newspaper publishing consortium formed in 1924 following the amalgamation of various newspaper titles, including those of Edward Hulton. The company was renamed Kemsley Newspapers in 1943 and was subsequently bought by Roy Thomson, Lord Thomson of Fleet, in 1959.
Scope and Content
One archive folder of patent documents, correspondence, photographs and newspaper cuttings relating to the invention and development of illuminated celluloid heels, designed by Joseph and John Jordan, 1934-1937.
The shoe heels were constructed from celluloid, which was not damaged on contact with hard flooring surfaces. A hollow was made inside the heel, which was large enough to hold a miniature battery and a light bulb. As the wearer of the shoe brought the heel into contact with the ground, the pressure created a contact so that the bulb lit up. Although the brothers acquired a patent for their invention, the heels never went into production. Shoe manufacturers in Britain told the brothers that they were ahead of their time with their invention. There was interest from manufacturers abroad but, because of their desire to keep production local, the brothers never took up any of these offers. The brothers had also negotiated with the pantomime director Julian Wylie for the heels to be used in the 1935 production of Puss In Boots at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. The entire chorus line was to wear heels in different colours, and the stage was to be plunged into darkness as they danced. Unfortunately, Mr Wylie died a few weeks before the production was due to start, and the idea was never put into use.
Extent
1 folder
Language
English
Archival history
The donor is one of the daughters of the creator of the archive. The collection was in the care of the family from 1934.
Level of description
TOP
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.
Subject
Conditions governing access
Open access.
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions.
