Russian Folkwear Exhibition in Washington Depot

     From January 21 - March 6 in the Display Case of the Gunn Memorial Library there will be an exhibit of traditional Russian winter footwear called Valenki (with the emphasis on the "val"). An opening reception which is free and open to the public will be held on Saturday, February 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
     Valenki are traditional Russian winter footwear. Made of sheep's wool, these warm felt boots have been worn by generations of Russians. For centuries they shod the feet of peasants and tsars. Valenki literally means, "made by felting." Valenki are not water-resistant, therefore they are often worn with a strip of leather on their sole or rubber galoshes to protect the felt. Galoshes also protect the valenki's soles from wear and tear.
     Washington resident Stephanie Fenwick, curator of the exhibit, has travelled extensively in Russia and brought back many pairs from her visits.
     Russian Valenki date back to the 18th century when the first pair was produced. It is supposed that the prototype of Valenki were the felt boots of Asian nomads, which they had been wearing for more than 1,500 years. Mass production of Valenki started in the end of the 19th century when factories were opened. Before that Valenki were too expensive and only well-off people could afford to possess a pair of them.
     Valenki are said to have healing effects, through their warmth and natural material. The Russian Tsar Peter the Great wore them to get over hangovers and urged his subjects to do the same.