About those traditional British clogs...

A couple Sundays back in the post "A Valuable Booklet", I featured a few images from a quaint early 20th century pamphlet promoting the virtures of clogs.

I know you didn't need any convincing about the merits of wooden footwear, but apparently at the time, clog makers felt it necessary to lay out the case for their exceptionally enjoyable creations. As you might expect, the text is rife with the dated attitudes and assumptions of the period, though at this point in time how can you do anything but smile when confronted with a line such as "When mopping floors the rigid wood sole keeps the foot in a natural position and enables a woman to do her work with ease." Tsk, tsk, tsk! What were they thinking back then? It is tempting to wish you could forcefully plant the sole of that same shoe on the backside of the writer, but then you and I are no doubt equally caught up in the assumptions implicit in our own culture. 

Strangely, though the shoes depicted in that eager tract seem just as dated to our 21st century eyes as the social sentiments expressed, I was happily surprised that many of you showed an interest in the possibility of owning a pair of these vintage styles for yourself. And here I thought I was the only one so smitten with wooden shoes.

Well, this Sunday I'm following up on that original post with news of a half dozen craftspersons from the British Isles who still proudly ply the clog making trade. And yes, if the Balmoral clog or the Clasp clog or any of the other styles so painstakingly illustrated in that "valuable booklet" truly caught your eye, you can have a pair made for yourself. How cool is that?

Follow the links and make your inquiries. (They're presented in alphabetical order.) And as a favor to me, let them know you read about them here.

In the meantime, I'm making a mental note to do a proper feature on these various gentlemen at some point down the road. I've covered the Scandinavian clog connection in great detail and given a nod here and there to the wooden shoes designed and manufactured in such places as Holland, France, and Germany, but I think I'm overdue for paying some serious attention to the folks in England who've been keeping their own clog wearing tradition alive!

 

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Jeremy Atkinson

Jeremy Atkinson, Herefordshire, U. K.

 

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Mike Cahill

 

Mike Cahill, West Yorkshire, U. K.

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The Clog and Shoe Workshop

 

The Clog and Shoe Workshop, proprietor Godfrey Smith, Scotland

 

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Phil Howard

 

Phil Howard, Greater Manchester, U. K.

 

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Walkley Clogs

 

Walkley Clogs, West Yorkshire, U. K.

 

Comments

[London Lady]

Thank You! Thank You!

I am one of those weirdos who flipped over those vintage albeit male chauvinistic creations. These are awesome works of art. As soon as I get a pair I will join you in planting them in the appropriate backsides.

[Melissa Krebs]

Obviously, those are Morris dancer's clogs (perhaps not the magenta and the blue at the top—I am mad for those blue ones!)—the jovial fellow depicted at Mike Cahill being in full dancer garb. Still and all, one could do worse than wear those delectable creations—and perhaps do a jig of your own design?! (My Morris dancing friend Annie had her clogs made in the UK and they were a hefty $400 five years ago... being a traditionalist dancing fool, she only wears her gorgeous clogs to dance.)

[Lindsey Cochran]

London Lady:

Lucky you! You can drive around to visit these clog makers in person! Please let us know what you find. I've known of these folks for awhile and have long been tempted to order a pair for myself.

[Lindsey Cochran]

Melissa:

I could easily incorporate a pair of these into my wardrobe without giving maypoles or mummers a second thought! These shoes are on my To Do list...once a few other financial demands get satisfied. Like paying off my kids college loans!

[Melissa Krebs]

I'll tell ya, L: I am seriously thinking of canceling my backordered Sanitas and getting the blue boots at Jeremy Atkinson; I'd be halfway to paying for them, and they are really floating my boat! That duck toe is yummy! Soooo awesome with skinny distressed jeans and a thermal tee and boyfriend cardi! I'm only moderately concerned about the fitting issue, since he actually sends the soles for a "preview" fitting before finishing the clogs! And at those prices, I'm not worried about the shipping fees! You are so much trouble, lady, and I love you for it!!!

[Lindsey Cochran]

Melissa:

Tell him I will be right behind you. (That outfit sounds fab.) Be sure to visit his website, though. He has a LOT more styles and variations to offer.

[Lindsey Cochran]

Melissa:

Dont let me sway you in your decision making, but I think theres something wonderful about wearing a unique pair of shoes. The Sanita boots are sweet. But a handmade pair crafted to your foot is a delightful experience. I was just wearing my Multnomah clog boots yesterday and reveling in the knowledge that theyre basically one of a kind.

And, doh! Why did I suggest you visit his website. You obviously already did or you wouldnt have had the ordering information that you referred to. Sorry!