Cordwainer Collection
The cordwainer, a skilled craftsman of the 17th century, was not only a rope maker but also worked with woodcuts
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The cordwainer, a skilled craftsman of the 17th century, was not only a rope maker but also worked with woodcuts. In the bustling Breadstreet Ward and Cordwainer Ward, their expertise in creating intricate designs on brocaded silk taffeta shoes was highly sought after. These exquisite shoes were made using a combination of materials such as leather and linen. Cordwainers Hall in Distaff Lane served as a hub for these craftsmen to showcase their talents and exchange ideas. It was here that cobblers from all walks of life repaired shoes, including those in New Orleans during the 19th century. The artistry of they can be traced back to historical books like "The Rope Maker, " which documented various trades. The making of wooden shoe lasts at W. H. Smith on Sloane Street involved meticulous shaping and smoothing techniques to ensure a perfect fit for each customer's foot. Intriguingly, W. H. Smith even created models of the feet belonging to notable figures such as the Duchess of York for reference when crafting lasts and shoes. From knifing and shaping the wooden shoe lasts to closing uppers with precision, every step in this ancient craft required skillful hands and attention to detail. Today, we can appreciate the legacy left behind by these talented cordwainers who transformed simple materials into wearable works of art.