By great fortune, Northampton happens to be a global centre for handmade shoes of the very finest quality. John Lobb, Loake, Church’s, Edward Green, and Crockett & Jones are among the legendary names still manufacturing in the town.
With over 250 pairs of footwear, I have little need to add quantity to my collection—but there’s always room for handmade quality. Before this acquisition, I owned just one pair of shoes that were handmade in England (from Russell & Bromley). A second pair was long overdue—and that pair had to be Crockett & Jones. They’re what James Bond wears; what more needs to be said?
It’s a genuine privilege to welcome these into my collection. Over time, I plan to add pairs from all of Northampton’s great shoemakers.
Dr Martin James 