Clarks, the British shoemaker, has opened a museum in the Somerset village of Street to celebrate its 200th anniversary. The Shoemakers Museum showcases hundreds of pairs of shoes, from school shoes to iconic Wallabees and Desert Boots, highlighting the brand's global reach and cultural impact.
Nicky Dowding, collections manager, noted that while Clarks is often associated with school shoes in the UK, it is perceived differently worldwide. The museum displays shoes in colourful cabinets, with many more in storage, reflecting the challenge of selecting which stories to tell from the company's rich history.
The Wallabee, created in the late 1960s, gained popularity through US hip-hop, notably worn by Wu-Tang Clan, and featured in the TV series Breaking Bad. The Desert Boot, inspired by wartime travels to Myanmar and India, became a favourite of mods and musicians like Liam and Noel Gallagher.
The museum also highlights Clarks' Quaker roots, which fostered honesty and philanthropy, including support for women's suffrage and abolition. Tim Crumplin, business archivist, praised a section dedicated to the Desert Boot production line, recalling skilled workers like one nicknamed Nureyev for his graceful movements.
Visitors can see recreations of old Clarks shops and a gauge used for measuring children's feet. Rosie Martin, museum director, said the exhibits evoke memories, calling the fitting of first shoes a rite of passage. The museum opens on Thursday in Street, near Glastonbury.
