Built To Last

Creating bespoke shoes is a skill that is continuing within workshops all over the country. But with prices starting from £3,500 at certain shops, why do people want to part with this money for a pair of shoes? In this programme we will meet some of the few bespoke shoemakers left in the industry. George Glasgow is the chairman and managing director of G.J.Cleverley, located in the heart of London’s West End. George has been in the industry for over 50 years. We hear from his craftsmen who give us an insight into how you construct a pair of bespoke shoes, having made for the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and Daniel Day-Lewis. Marsha Hall is a bespoke shoemaker for ladies footwear, creating and constructing her designs in a workshop in her garden. We also hear from Tim Little, chief executive and creative director of Grenson, a shoemakers on a larger scale, based in Rushden. Grenson has been creating shoes since 1866 and continues to do so, both bespoke and factory made. Contrary to belief, bespoke shoemakers are thriving with orders more so now than ever. However, the younger generations do not seem to be interested in learning the skills involved, and those within the industry are looking for ways to entice them in. Produced by Rachael Bird.