Shoemakers Museum

A cultural and civic anchor in Somerset The Shoemakers Museum in Somerset is a testament to the rich industrial and cultural heritage of Street, a town synonymous with the iconic Clarks shoe brand. Designed by Purcell, the museum artfully combines a 16th Century manor house and a 17th Century barn with a contemporary brick extension. This architectural ensemble houses four permanent galleries that showcase an extensive collection of over 25,000 shoes, from early sheepskin slippers to Clarks' renowned Desert Boots. The design draws inspiration from the craftsmanship of shoemaking, with brick detailing that reflects the patterns and textures found in traditional footwear. The museum revitalizes the town's 'green heart' by reconnecting previously fragmented listed buildings and creating a continuous public realm. Sustainability is a core principle of the project, with over 70% of demolished materials reused on site and renewable energy systems powering the building. The Shoemakers Museum serves as a new civic and cultural hub, offering spaces for learning, community use, and cultural events, thus re-establishing itself as a vital part of Somerset's cultural landscape.

Design Highlights

Integration of 16th and 17th Century architecture with a new brick intervention Brick detailing inspired by shoemaking patterns Four permanent galleries showcasing a vast collection of shoes and fossils Sustainable design with significant material reuse and renewable energy systems Creation of a continuous public realm, revitalizing the town's 'green heart'

Key Facts