Join us in the Parish Rooms to find out more about the origins a local company we’re all very familiar with – the iconic Clark’s Shoes.
200 Years of Clarks
Join Dr. Tim Crumplin as he charts the origins of the Clark family, their beginnings in Street during the 18th century and the commercial and social influences the Quaker business had upon the town from the time of its founding in 1825 to today. Alongside the family records and collections, the archives contain over 100,000 items charting over 200 years of shoemaking history. In 2004 Tim was employed as a post-doctoral researcher to compile a history of the company, he took on management of the collection in 2009. Tim is Somerton born and bred and is delighted to be giving us this insight into of one of the most famous names in footwear.
New Shoemakers Museum
Find out about the new Shoemakers Museum which is due to open in Street in September 2025. Director Rosie Martin is leading the project to create an exciting new visitor attraction that will make the collections of the Alfred Gillett Trust available to the public for the first time. The museum will share stories of over 200 years of shoemaking history, focusing on the legacy of Clarks, the iconic footwear brand founded in the village of Street.
After 12 years of planning, consent for a new building was granted in December 2023 and the months since have been an exciting whirlwind of designers, architects, builders, ecologists, and a host of specialists working together to bring the museum to life! Discover how Rosie and her team have managed to create an exciting and welcoming visitor experience opening in time to celebrate the bicentenary of Clarks shoes.
Refreshments will be available between the two talks.
Ticket prices: Early Bird £7 | Standard £8 | On the Door £9
| BUY TICKETS |
Tickets will also be available from Stationery House in Somerton from 1st May. Early Bird ends 18th May.
