EYE Bata Shoe Museum
Green arsenic gown, circa 1860-1865. The Victorians wore fabrics made with arsenic-based dye knowing full well the health risks they posed.
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Image Credit: Arnold Matthews via Bata Shoe Museum -
EYE Bata Shoe Museum
Image Credit: Ron Wood via Bata Shoe Museum This pair of boots is said to have belonged to the Grand Écuyer of Napoleon III in charge of the royal stables.
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EYE Bata Shoe Museum
Image Credit: Ron Wood via Bata Shoe Museum The dark green satin used to make these “Adelaide” boots circa 1840s Europe tested positive for arsenic-based dye.
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EYE Bata Shoe Museum
Image Credit: Suzanne Petersen McLean via Bata Shoe Museum French tartan boots circa 1855-1865. With the aide of toxic aniline dyes, Victorian entrepreneurs invented “ancient” clan tartans in brilliant hues that became the height of fashion.