Before treatment
Condition Before Treatment
The boot was in poor structural and aesthetic condition. The faux suede is actively shedding. Both layers are easily torn, and the coating on both layers is severely crack. There is a large loss measuring roughly 5 x 13cm at the top of the outer layer on the proper right side. Additionally, the back seam and the seam along the top edge were split. There were numerous tears along the top edge, and a large tear at the top of the heel.
Frankenstein’s Boot
c. 1930s
Collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Faux leather with leather sole
This is the right boot of a pair of boots worn by Boris Karloff in the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein. It is constructed of two layers of faux suede stitched together at the seams and along the top edge. The interior is light brown. The exterior is dark brown. The boot has leather soles.
Tear repair
Tears along the upper edge of the boot and vulnerable edges of the loss on the proper right side were stabilized using nylon gossamer underlays adhered in place using undiluted Vinamul 3252. The gossamer was toned using acrylic paint prior to application and mottled with colored pencil as necessary.
Mends were held between blotters and magnets during drying.
Once stabilized, the interior and exterior layers of the boot were restitched together along the upper edge.
Detail, Before (upper) and after (lower) treatment
Condition After Treatment
The tears are now stable, and the risk of further tearing has been minimized. The boots can now be safely handled and dressed for exhibit.
Images courtesy and copyright of the Victoria and Albert Museum