If you found it difficult or expensive to get your hands on the right machinery, tools and equipment when you first started shoemaking then a new arrival in London's East End could be the answer.
The Parachute Collective under the railway arches in Bethnal Green, aims to provide aspiring shoemakers with access to machinery and know-how. The Collective was founded by Thomas Rowe, and, as well as being a studio space and showcase for the four young shoe designers based on its lower floor, it offers a number of work stations with a variety of closing and footwear making machines for hire on the upper floor.
As the website says;
"The Parachute Collective is a London based community of shoemakers and leather artisans. It is set out to support independent creative artisans and offers a retail platform for Cordwainers from around the world. The workshop is fully fitted to support all your shoe making needs and a retail area is available to members who wish to display their creative works".
Leathers
Space for clicking and pattern making
Machines
Displays 1
Displays 2
Shoemakers unite at the launch party
If you are interested in using this resource please email info@theparachutecollective.co.uk
Until next week, when we will be blogging from the Royal Academy, Crafted Makers of the Exceptional, happy shoemaking!
