Spanleest behorende bij rijlaars c. 1934

Curator: At first glance, these look like instruments of some kind, perhaps used for measuring. What am I looking at? Editor: These fascinating objects are actually spanleests behorende bij rijlaars – boot stretchers, for riding boots dating back to around 1934, made with a combination of wood and metal. They were crafted by Stricko. Curator: "Stricko"—that’s quite a moniker. I imagine riding boots back then were quite the commitment, warranting such specialized tools. Looking closely, I'm intrigued by the almost anthropomorphic design—the 'foot' section, the graduated markings... almost ritualistic, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Ritualistic? Perhaps not deliberately. But one could argue their functionality mirrors the rigid social structures of equestrian society and sports where precise fit and appearance held significant sway, impacting a rider's status. The "perfect fit" takes on socio-political significance. Curator: That makes sense; fit can be a reflection of belonging. I am interested in the combination of wood and metal. The tactile quality of wood against the coldness of the metal introduces an element of both the handmade and the machine-made, mirroring social change perhaps? What might these materials represent? Editor: A definite contrast. Metal, symbolizing industrialization, aligns with mass production, offering adjustability. Wood brings a sense of tradition, linking to craftmanship and equestrian history. The blend highlights a transition from hand-tailored to commercially sized equipment. Curator: There's also a potent visual language. Those spiked metal pieces recall talons or perhaps some medieval torture device, introducing a layer of domination... Editor: Certainly, the implements could conjure images of subjugation related to equestrian sport or the class differences inherent in that culture; but more benignly the "claws" could be there to aid with adjustment or fixing the item. This all reinforces that fashion or "fitting in" are also devices for control. Curator: Fascinating. So, a boot stretcher transcends its basic functionality, encapsulating social hierarchies, material histories, and powerful, sometimes conflicting symbols. Editor: Precisely. The act of using and possessing these boot stretchers itself becomes a statement, an unspoken language woven into the fabric of a specific historical context. Curator: A poignant example of how objects can carry silent stories, even today. Editor: Indeed, it makes you consider how fashion always speaks volumes.