Museum to show 200-year history of Clarks shoemakers

A new museum dedicated to the history of Clarks shoemakers is set to open next month in Street, Somerset, the village where the company began 200 years ago. The Shoemakers Museum will officially open its doors on September 18, marking the bicentenary of Clarks, a brand that has become a household name on the High Street. The museum is housed in a modern building with striking pillars and a sign that reads 'shoemakers museum,' situated next to a large red brick structure. Rosie Martin, the museum director, explained that the museum is about more than just shoes; it is about the people who made them, their craftsmanship, their community, and the role Clarks shoes have played in important moments in people's lives. She expressed excitement about welcoming visitors, whether they have fond memories of their first pair of Clarks or are discovering the brand's story for the first time.

The museum's opening coincides with Clarks' 200th anniversary and is located within the Clarks Village shopping outlet, close to the original site of the business. The exhibits will feature stories from local residents who worked at the Clarks factory, a fossil discovered during the factory's construction, and the iconic Clarks gauge, which has been used to measure children's feet since the 1940s. The Alfred Gillett Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving and sharing Clarks' history, has led the project. The museum aims to highlight the social and cultural impact of Clarks, showing how the company has influenced the local community and beyond.

Cato Pedder, chairwoman of the Alfred Gillett Trust, said the museum is not only a tribute to the Clark family's legacy but also a place for future generations to explore creativity, community, and cultural identity through the simple act of wearing shoes. The museum is located in a Grade II listed building that has been associated with shoemaking for over a century and is closely linked to the Clark family, who founded the company in 1825. Visitors will be able to explore a permanent gallery, temporary exhibitions, a research library, and an education room designed for school visits. The museum also encourages people to share their own stories about Somerset and the impact of Clarks. By opening the Shoemakers Museum, the Alfred Gillett Trust hopes to keep the history of Clarks alive and inspire new generations to appreciate the craft and community behind the famous shoes.