Footstool

Small footstool with floral pattern. Photo by S. Butlin

Country of Origin: Canada
Year: ca. 1870
Materials: Corduroy, and metal 

Footstools date from ancient Egypt and were used to assist people in climbing to other furniture, or to elevate feet. In the Victorian Era, these items became their own decorative pieces. Some, like this one, had ornate sides or fabrics. This footstool features in several historic images of Eldon House and is a sample of a small furniture piece that is covered by embroidery produced by one of the Harris women.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.