To mark 200 years since its founding, Clarks has unveiled the Shoemakers Museum in Street, Somerset, where the business began. The new permanent exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the British brand’s rich shoemaking heritage, from its Quaker roots to its global cultural influence.
The Shoemakers Museum is a major new visitor attraction, commissioned by the Alfred Gillett Trust. Located in Street, home to Clarks’ headquarters and outlet destination Clarks Village, the museum aims to preserve and present the story of the Clark family and their contribution to both the local area and the global footwear industry.
London-based Nissen Richards Studio was appointed to design the permanent exhibition, graphic design, shop and wayfinding. The studio also served as interpretation specialist, shaping the content and text for the museum in close collaboration with the curatorial team. Their approach weaves the process of shoemaking directly into the visual and tactile language of the space.
Rosie Martin, Director of Shoemakers Museum, commented:
“Our team thoroughly enjoyed working with Nissen Richards Studio, from the early days of identifying the themes, stories, and objects, to designing the galleries and overseeing the museum fitout. We are particularly pleased with the branding which perfectly reflects our personality and style. The feedback from our first visitors is extremely gratifying and we look forward to sharing Shoemakers Museum with the world.”
Visitors begin their journey through a double-height Arrival space before moving through three themed galleries: Welcome to Street, Making Gallery and Buying and Selling. The exhibition explores Clarks’ evolution from its 1825 founding by Cyrus and James Clark to the production of iconic shoes such as the Desert Boot and Wallabee, worn by figures across subcultures, from Ivy League students to hip hop artists.
Pippa Nissen, Director of Nissen Richards Studio, commented:
“We wanted the craft of the story to live within the designs with the very process of shoemaking itself woven into every choice. In the colours, the materials, the forms and the smallest details, you can feel the hand of the maker… The shoes became more than objects; they became portals to the people who made them, and to the local stories of Street itself.”
The Making Gallery recreates the atmosphere of a factory with real sounds and interactive exhibits, while the Buying and Selling section features recreated Clarks shops from the 1950s and 1980s. Iconic marketing displays and AV content chart the brand’s commercial growth and cultural resonance.
The museum’s architectural design, led by Purcell Architects, integrates sustainable materials and includes The Grange, a Grade II listed manor house, as well as gardens and outbuildings. The result is a museum deeply tied to place and purpose.
Echo Callaghan, Interpretation Specialist at Nissen Richards Studio, added:
“In this exhibition there was no shortage of extraordinary stories to tell… It felt particularly important that the interpretation approach spoke to the people who worked at the factory in Street, representing their experience and including their voices.”
Shoemakers Museum is now open to the public, offering an immersive journey through the past, present and future of Clarks, and celebrating the people, designs and social history that have defined the company over two centuries.
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