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Museum honours icons with shoe exhibition

Carroll Weston/BBC Two pairs of wooden lasts, two pairs of black shoes and two feet impression cases inside a glass cabinet. Carroll Weston/BBC
Lasts and shoes made for celebrities and athletes from Northamptonshire and beyond can be seen in the museum

A county's shoemaking heritage is being showcased in a special exhibition.

Lasting Legacy, hosted at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, reveals bespoke shoes and lasts crafted for notable Northamptonshire and national figures.

The project, in partnership with Springline Ltd - which makes custom-made lasts in Northampton - features contributions from celebrities, sports stars, and even royalty.

Michael James, the sales and development manager at Springline, said: "We wanted to capture a snapshot of Northamptonshire's history."

Springline Ltd A man in a black three piece suit speaks to a man in a grey suit and purple tie. There are lots of lasts behind them. Springline Ltd
King Charles III's bespoke last and slippers are among the highlights of the exhibition

Springline, which has been producing shoe lasts since 1982, collaborated with local shoemakers to create custom footwear for figures such as Paralympian Ellie Robinson, author Alan Moore, radio presenter Jo Whiley, and actor Idris Elba.

A shoe last is a three-dimensional foot-shaped block used by shoemakers to mould and shape footwear.

Mr James added that meeting King Charles III was a particular highlight.

"We went to Clarence House to measure him and obviously we were nervous, but he put us at ease immediately," he said.

"He's so passionate about crafts and skills. It was a fantastic experience."

Tricker's shoemakers crafted two pairs of shoes for King Charles III, including slippers with his crest.

Carroll Weston/BBC A closeup of brown brogue boots with laces and a pair of wooden lasts with Jo Whiley written on them. A white card with information about the shoes is next to them.Carroll Weston/BBC
Radio Two presenter Jo Whiley's lasts and shoes are featured as part of the display

The collection includes black patent brogues made for Ellie Robinson, footwear for former Northampton Town manager Graham Carr and his son, comedian Alan Carr, and designs for former Saints player, Dylan Hartley.

According to Mr James, the Reverend Richard Coles' last is the "most popular display" with the younger generation.

Lasting Legacy runs at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery until 16 February.

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