Bata Shoe Museum presents Rough & Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot

The Bata Shoe Museum has debuted a new public exhibition titled Rough & Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot which explores the story of the cowboy boot craftsmanship, symbolism, and its cultural transformation from the nineteenth century to today.

“We are excited to unveil Rough & Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot to commemorate 30 years at the Bata Shoe Museum. The Museum has a fascinating history of sharing stories of deep cultural importance and we are proud to continue this tradition with this new exhibition,” says Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum. “It’s not always known that the origins of the cowboy boot stretch far beyond the American West, including innovations developed in Asia, Spain, North Africa, and present-day Mexico. Since their invention in the late nineteenth century, cowboy boots have embodied contradiction. They have symbolized labour and leisure, freedom and domination, as well as resistance and reclamation. Whether worn in the saddle, on screen, or in the streets, cowboy boots are a cultural touchstone, embodying both tradition and transformation in a constantly changing world.”

Curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, the Rough & Ready exhibit centres on the rugged, decorative, and rebellious spirit of cowboy boots through history and pop culture. From practical and complex origins to bold fashion statements, the exhibition traces the evolution of this iconic footwear including:

● Canadian Made – Canadian-made cowboy boots from the early 1920s were worn in Calgary Stampede parades and were designed with tulips made famous by cowboy film star Tom Mix. The boots were made by Calgary-based Riley & McCormick Co. Ltd who specialized in custom-made saddles, boots and other leather goods.

● Gene Autry’s Boots – A dazzling mid-1930s pair designed for the Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry, who famously collected custom boots. One of his favourites being a blue bird pattern designed by Olsen-Stelzer boots.

● Canadian Rock & Roll Western – A bold, early-2000s pair by Liberty Boots, blends tradition with edgy design to attract edgier crowds such as rock stars and country icons.

● Orville Peck’s Bespoke Pair – Created in 2024 by Emily Bokesnbaum, these custom boots made for Canadian country musician Orville Peck, are meant to complement and embody the artist’s unapologetic persona, dramatic style and bold interpretation of Western fashion.

● Dreaming of Indigenous Futures – Showcases the sculptural assemblage Gwiiwzens Dreamed of Spirit Horses by renowned Anishinaabe (Odawa) multidisciplinary artist, Barry Ace, featuring his signature electronic component and glass bead medicine flower motifs.

Special PROGRAMMING

Country Music Trivia – May 27, 7pm
Visitors can saddle up and test their knowledge of all things country music from new music to classic hits such as Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Kacey Musgraves. General admission tickets are $25 which includes access to all current exhibitions.

Hoedown at the BSM: Pride Party – June 6, 7pm
In collaboration with Steers & Queers and Spurs, the Museum will host a Wild West-themed Pride Party with dazzling performances by Selena Vyle, Lucinda Miu, and Fluffy Soufflé. To keep the good vibes going, there will also be musical beats by DJ Sigourney Beaver and of course, snacks and drinks available for purchase. This event is 19+. General admission tickets are $30 each and $100 for a 4-pack which includes access to all current exhibitions.

Outlaws and Allies: Cowboys and Queer Culture Panel Discussion – June 19, 7pm
This panel discussion will address the intersectionality of cowboy traditions and queer identities, hidden histories of queer cowboys, cowboy symbolism in queer culture, and the rich and often overlooked narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals within the iconic cowboy lifestyle. Moderated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, BSM Director and Curator of Rough and Ready, expert panelists included Joseph (J) Shea-Carter, adjunct professor of English and Culture,University of Guelph and Brock University, and Lauren Hortie, artist and leader of the popular long-running event Steers & Queers Gay Ole Opry. General admission tickets are $15 each which includes access to all current exhibitions.

Press Release courtesy of Bata Shoe Museum