Handsewn Shoemaking with Deborah & James
Learn the traditional heritage craft of handsewn shoemaking in London, the city known for its reputation and history of shoe craft. Master shoemakers Deborah and James will guide you through the 200+ steps of the shoemaking process to make your own.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $4040
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $3720
Meet the Artist
Deborah and James are master bespoke handsewn shoemakers using only hand tools and centuries-old techniques with over 200 steps in the construction process. They've both completed a traditional three-year apprenticeship with a master shoemaker and have now been making shoes for over 30 years combined.
Their leather shoes are hand welted, which is a traditional English shoe making technique and the precursor to the Goodyear welt. They make footwear with a strong silhouette, which is durable, repairable, recyclable and which looks more and more beautiful with age.
The materials they work with are also exceptional. They work with natural oak bark leather which is pit-tanned as it has been since Roman times in the South-West of England. It makes the best, most durable soles and components in the shoe; it is sustainable - the oak bark, hides and salt are locally sourced; and has a low environmental impact (the water from the tannery is clean enough to go back into the neighboring mill stream).
They're passionate about passing on their skills and have been teaching shoe making to enthusiasts from around the world since 2006, also introducing them to the wider world of leather work, like how to saddle stitch a card case, key fob, or dog collar. Beyond teaching what makes a well-made shoe, they look to inspire people to make with their hands, experiencing the benefits it brings to their well-being.
Their leather shoes are hand welted, which is a traditional English shoe making technique and the precursor to the Goodyear welt. They make footwear with a strong silhouette, which is durable, repairable, recyclable and which looks more and more beautiful with age.
The materials they work with are also exceptional. They work with natural oak bark leather which is pit-tanned as it has been since Roman times in the South-West of England. It makes the best, most durable soles and components in the shoe; it is sustainable - the oak bark, hides and salt are locally sourced; and has a low environmental impact (the water from the tannery is clean enough to go back into the neighboring mill stream).
They're passionate about passing on their skills and have been teaching shoe making to enthusiasts from around the world since 2006, also introducing them to the wider world of leather work, like how to saddle stitch a card case, key fob, or dog collar. Beyond teaching what makes a well-made shoe, they look to inspire people to make with their hands, experiencing the benefits it brings to their well-being.
VAWAA Includes:
- An introduction to the components in a handsewn shoe, what they do and where they come from.
- Learn what good quality leather and a well fitting shoe looks and feels like.
- An introduction to the centuries-old craft of handsewn shoe making.
- Starting with a pack of leather, leather shoe uppers and lasts (the blocks the shoes are made on), make a pair of shoes guided by Deborah and James in the heritage shoemaking techniques using specialist tools.
- A comprehensive set of shoemaking notes, and list of tools and materials used in Deborah and James's design process.
- Your own handsewn pair of shoes.
- Guidance and the opportunity to buy kits, tools and materials to continue making shoes once the session is finished.
Explore London
England has a worldwide reputation for footwear excellence and London, a centuries-old heritage for footwear, style, and fashion. In fact, the City of London is deeply immersed in the history of shoe craft as it is home to three medieval guilds linked to shoe making: the Worshipful Companies of Cordwainers, Leathersellers and Pattenmakers. Not to mention, London is one of the world's most visited cities. On the vibrant South Bank, you'll find the London Eye, Hayward Gallery, BFI (British Film Institute), National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall the and iconic Oxo Tower, home to your VAWAA with Carreducker; a short walk further along the river are Shakespear's Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and just over the Millenium Bridge, St Pauls Cathedral; not to mention the vibrant, cultural quarters of Covent Garden, Borough Market, Columbia Road, Coal Drops Yard and Fitzrovia, great to stroll around on Sundays for independent shops, people watching, browsing, and food!
Additional Details
The best time to visit London is in spring and summer, between March and September, when the day's are lighter, brighter and longer. It's best to avoid the Christmas holidays, between December 20th and January 2nd.
For a shorter intensive, this VAWAA is available as a 5-day session focused on hand lasting and welting a pair of shoes before they are finished off by a specialist cobbler and shipped to you. This VAWAA is also available for a longer duration, up to 21 days, for masterclasses to learn specialist techniques such as designing, fiddle waist, stitching shoe uppers, Norwegian welt and bevelled waist, or pattern making. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Due to the nature of the tools and work involved, guests must be physically able and 18 years old or older to participate. Cannot be adapted for kids, elders, or people with special needs.
Deborah and James speak English.
For a shorter intensive, this VAWAA is available as a 5-day session focused on hand lasting and welting a pair of shoes before they are finished off by a specialist cobbler and shipped to you. This VAWAA is also available for a longer duration, up to 21 days, for masterclasses to learn specialist techniques such as designing, fiddle waist, stitching shoe uppers, Norwegian welt and bevelled waist, or pattern making. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Due to the nature of the tools and work involved, guests must be physically able and 18 years old or older to participate. Cannot be adapted for kids, elders, or people with special needs.
Deborah and James speak English.
Guest Reviews
Heather R., United States
My experience with Deborah and James was fabulous. Every detail exceeded my expectations. Both of them are very skilled instructors. The class has been designed such that someone (such as myself) with no experience, can learn and after a week or so, make a pair of beautiful shoes that fit incredibly well. This is the first time in my life, that when I put a new pair of shoes on, both shoes fit Read more
Jaki C., United States
Who new! Such a beautiful undertaking to commit to a pair of shoes. Every day, Deborah and James were with me I felt the commitment to excellence and authenticity. I'm crazy about my new shoes and would do this again in a red hot second.
