A new museum dedicated to celebrating two centuries of Clarks shoemaking heritage is set to open next month in Street, Somerset. Coinciding with Clarks' 200-year anniversary, the Shoemakers Museum will welcome visitors on Thursday, September 18, situating itself within the brand’s iconic village.
Founded in 1825 by Quaker brothers Cyrus and James Clark, Clarks began as a tannery producing leather goods in Street. Over 200 years, it has grown into a globally recognized footwear brand while maintaining strong ties to its Somerset roots.
Reflecting this deep connection, the museum is housed across a historic complex featuring a 16th-century manor house, a 17th-century barn, a sleek modern glass extension, and a walkway showcasing fossils of marine reptiles discovered during the original factory’s construction.
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Inside, visitors will explore a vast collection of hundreds of never-before-seen items from the Clarks archive. Highlights include sheepskin slippers, iconic desert boots, traditional school shoes, and Britpop stage outfits, all showcased within four immersive galleries. These spaces also feature recreated 1950s and 1980s storefronts, the classic foot gauges once used to measure children’s feet, and recorded testimonies from former Clarks factory workers who lived locally.
Beyond the exhibits, the Shoemakers Museum offers a gift shop filled with archive-inspired merchandise and a contemporary café serving dishes made from locally sourced ingredients within a 35-mile radius. Throughout the year, the venue will host special events, educational programs, and group tours to engage the community and visitors alike.
The museum is an initiative of the Alfred Gillett Trust, a registered charity dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich Clarks heritage.
Cato Pedder, chair of the Trust, expressed that the museum is “not just a tribute to the Clark family legacy, but a platform for future generations to explore creativity, community, and cultural identity.” Rose Martin, museum director, emphasized that the Shoemakers Museum is “a museum about people,” celebrating the founders, workers, and wearers who have shaped and inspired the brand throughout its history.
The Shoemakers Museum opens on Thursday, September 18, at The Grange, Clarks Village. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Tickets are currently available via www.shoemakersmuseum.org.uk.