THE KNOWLEDGE OF SHOEMAKERS
Between 2019 and 2020, during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was given the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and document the people, craftsmanship and factory floors of four of the world’s finest shoemakers — Sanders & Sanders, Crockett & Jones, Barker Shoes and Gaziano & Girling — all based within a few miles of my hometown of Northampton, UK.
As a resident of Northamptonshire, I had always been aware of the region’s global reputation for shoemaking. But stepping inside these factories offered a unique opportunity to explore a world that few people ever get to see.
My personal interests in industry, craftsmanship, heritage and social history came together in one fascinating photographic project. The time-honoured processes, skilled craftspeople, machinery and personalities, together with the textures, atmosphere and natural light of these unique and often historic working environments, provided an extraordinary subject for photography.
As a resident of Northamptonshire, I had always been aware of the region’s global reputation for shoemaking. But stepping inside these factories offered a unique opportunity to explore a world that few people ever get to see.
My personal interests in industry, craftsmanship, heritage and social history came together in one fascinating photographic project. The time-honoured processes, skilled craftspeople, machinery and personalities, together with the textures, atmosphere and natural light of these unique and often historic working environments, provided an extraordinary subject for photography.
The Knowledge of Shoemakers brings together a selection of 180 photographs from this project, offering an intimate look behind the factory doors and celebrating the people, skills, machinery and traditions that have helped make Northamptonshire synonymous with quality shoemaking.
I hope the book will appeal not only to collectors of fine footwear and those working within the shoe trade, but also to anyone with an interest in photography, heritage craft, fashion, design, social history and Britain’s industrial heritage.
The book features forewords from Rebecca Shawcross, Senior Curator at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, and Ian Cartwright of the British Footwear Association.
I hope the book will appeal not only to collectors of fine footwear and those working within the shoe trade, but also to anyone with an interest in photography, heritage craft, fashion, design, social history and Britain’s industrial heritage.
The book features forewords from Rebecca Shawcross, Senior Curator at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, and Ian Cartwright of the British Footwear Association.
Book Specification
- Format: Hardback
- Dimensions: 300mm × 240mm
- Pages: 224
- Photographs: 180
- Paper: 200gsm Magno Satin
- Endpapers: Full-colour
- Cover: Full-colour
- Dust Jacket: Full-colour
LIMITED EDITION — £45
1 of 200
A beautifully produced hardback edition of The Knowledge of Shoemakers, individually stamped and numbered as one of just 200 copies.
As a pre-order customer, your name will be included in the Acknowledgements section of the book, alongside the names of other early supporters.
As a pre-order customer, your name will be included in the Acknowledgements section of the book, alongside the names of other early supporters.
SIGNED COLLECTOR’S EDITION — £75
1 of 50
For collectors and those who want something truly special, just 50 signed Collector’s Editions will be produced.
Each copy will be personally hand-signed and individually numbered and presented in a bespoke slipcase.
Inside, you will also find a limited-edition photographic print, numbered 1 of 50, accompanied by its own Certificate of Authenticity.
Your name will also be included in the Acknowledgements section of the book alongside the names of other pre-order supporters.
Each copy will be personally hand-signed and individually numbered and presented in a bespoke slipcase.
Inside, you will also find a limited-edition photographic print, numbered 1 of 50, accompanied by its own Certificate of Authenticity.
Your name will also be included in the Acknowledgements section of the book alongside the names of other pre-order supporters.