The end of February saw the arrival of the annual Independent Shoemakers Conference. This year hosted by Bill Bird Shoes at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester.
Founded in 1999 the independent shoemakers conference is a gathering of shoemakers from all over the UK and further afield. It is open to those in the industry, students and hobbyist shoemakers. In 2024 there were delegates in attendance from 10 different countries, including USA, Germany, Sweden and more which saw delegate numbers reach pre covid levels. Each delegate received a goody bag filled with a selection of promotional materials from our suppliers.
This year we provided the delegates with 8 different masterclasses and demonstrations giving everyone an opportunity to get up close and personal with the different skills on show.
- Hartmut Seidich from Germany gave a masterclass on test uppers
- Anders Sundström , a former spitshine champion from Sweden, offered an energetic demonstration on achieving a super shiny polish. He was joined by his colleague William Wong of Arterton, London.
- Samuel Norsworthy of Catella Shoemaker gave a Patina masterclass.
- Stefan Hustadt of Renia Adhesives was on hand to guide the shoemakers in which adhesive was best for their needs.
- Bill Bird shared his extensive knowledge on last fittings.
- William Laborde, who is not only a shoemaker but also runs a tool restoration business demonstrated how to bring those old favourites back to life.
- Adele Williamson of Trickers and Shoemaker to King Charles III joined Mariano Palenica Crepso for a thread making masterclass.
- Deborah Carré and James Ducker fromCarréducker shared their techniques for making shoemakers wax, which is used with the thread.
There were also talks from Ross Woodward who looks after Shoemakers.org plus Polly Lythall of the BFA. The conference finale was a talk from Thomas Rowe who showcased his work that he has produced for the film industry.The day ends with the Gala dinner giving all those in attendance the chance to socialise and share their experience from day's events.
A massive thank you to everyone that gave up their time to demonstrate their skills and talk about what they do so enthusiastically.