Shoemakers Museum
Client: Clarks Village, Street
Duration: Fit Out - on site 1 week
The Brief
The Alfred Gillett Trust, a charitable organisation, sought to transform part of their historic property in Clarks Village into the Shoemakers Museum. With over 100,000 shoe-related artefacts in storage, the Trust wanted a vibrant, engaging space that celebrated the area’s rich shoemaking heritage while also serving as an educational hub for school groups and visitors.
The Trust required a cost-effective, design-led solution that retained the intended impact of Nissen Richards Studio’s concept design, for a vibrant welcome area, whilst also satisfying the approval of trustees and key stakeholders.
The Project
Our team delivered and installed, a full package of specialist joinery, signage, with all electrical systems to suite, material finishes and decorations. Scope included under-stair shelving, a feature reception desk (crafted in partnership with London Embroidery Studio and finished with hand-embroidered shoes stitched into a leather alternative product), large-scale digital media screens, and the striking LED faux-neon wall.
As the building included a Grade II listed wall, we carefully managed works—surface-fixing electrics and signage to avoid disruption to original features. Coordination was critical, with works sequenced alongside other contractors and external specialists to meet the challenging four-week manufacturing window and seven-day on-site programme.
The Shoemakers Museum stands as a dynamic, community-focused cultural asset—combining heritage preservation with modern design, and opening its doors with a bright, bold presence in Clarks Village.
Through value engineering, we significantly reduced costs before reinstating select quality details. This made the design viable for the Trust, while still delivering the colour, vibrancy and intent of the concept scheme.
It has been a total pleasure working with you – you are amazing professionals and the way in which you have brought our vision to life and consistently gone above and beyond has impressed us beyond measure. We are delighted with the project and its delivery and look forwards to working with you again in the future (near hopefully!)
Museum Manager and Deputy Director, Shoemakers Museum
Abbey Boobyer
Project Manager
Lydie Coles
Supply Chain Manager
Dave Irwin
Warehouse Operative