Shoe, sandal shoe

From humble London origins, Dolcis shoes became a national success for over a century. John Upson, boot manufacturer, starting selling his products at Woolwich market in 1863. In the 1920s the company owned 135 stores, with nine on London’s Oxford Street alone. By the time these shoes were made, the company was using the tagline: ‘There is a Dolcis shoe store in every large town.’

These shoes, likely made in the years following the war, are stamped with the recognisable' CC41' logo. Shoemakers working during the Second World War and after had to follow restrictive ‘Utility’ guidelines enforced by the government, which aimed to save both materials and labour. Utility approved products were stamped with the ‘CC41’ mark. Dolcis advertised their Utility range as being smart and attractive, but also sturdy and well-constructed.