We are delighted to launch the new Craft of Shoemaking Award, with the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, to recognise shoe makers in the UK.
Applications are invited from:
Students – either current students or recent graduates (within 12 months)
Apprentices
Non-professional shoemakers – not selling their shoes at commercial prices
(All applicants should be living in the UK. There is no age limit)
THE AWARD
The winning entry will receive a package of specialist training here at Carréducker comprising a 2-day bespoke pattern making course and a 3-day closing techniques course with Fiona Campbell and a 12-day handsewn shoemaking course.
THE BRIEF
To produce a PAIR of shoes or boots for men, women or children:
Made using any construction methods
The footwear must be functional AND wearable
Orthopaedic and athletic shoes are welcome
Emphasis will be placed on entries that demonstrate a high level of hand skills.
SUBMISSION
Entrants should submit:
A pair of shoes or boots that they have made
A4 portfolio showing how the shoes or boots were made (max. 25 pages double sided) *
A short biography (200 words max.) or video (5-minute max. MP4 file) that sums up the entrant’s art, aesthetic, and approach; information about their personal background, influences on their work
Their name, a high-resolution portrait photograph (2mb jpeg maximum) and their Instagram tag.
The biography will form the basis for press information issued to members of the media and the footwear trade.
* The portfolio must describe and include photos / images explaining:
The material choices
The techniques and processes that have been used throughout the production of the shoes or boots (with an emphasis on hand sewing techniques, sustainability and repairability)
A description of the tools and machinery used and how they were used
Full credit and a description of any external help received at any of the stages of production and cover the following stages:
Concept and design
Choice of materials
Choice of lasts
Pattern making
Closing the uppers
Making the shoes/boots
Information submitted will remain anonymous throughout the judging process but please note that the entrant’s name will be used on all official correspondence and announcements.
COMPETITION RULES
Entries must be received by Wednesday 23 April 2025; either delivered in person or sent by special delivery to:
The Craft of Shoemaking Award
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers
Saddlers House
Gutter Lane
London EC2V 6BR
ENTRANTS AND SUBMISSIONS
Entrants must meet the full criteria as set out in the brief.
Entrants are responsible for ensuring that their entry is received in time before the deadline
Entrants are responsible for ensuring all entries are appropriately submitted
Entrants must provide a title and description for their entry which must be used consistently
in any communication during the competition
Competition entries must NOT display the name of the entrant, to ensure fairness and complete anonymity when the judges review the submissions. Furthermore, no part of the entrants’ submission may appear on social media – in any form – before Thursday 15 May 2025. Entrants that disregard this rule will be disqualified.
JUDGING
We are delighted to announce the prestigious judging panel :
Judging will take place in early May 2025. The judges’ decisions will be final.
Information submitted will remain anonymous throughout the judging process but please note that the entrant’s name will be used on all official correspondence and announcements.
All finalists will be issued with a finalist’s logo which can be used on social media, websites and printed materials, subject to the branding guidelines issued by the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers.
The Award Winner will be issued with a winner’s logo which can be used on social media, websites and printed materials, subject to the branding guidelines issued the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers.
The Award will be presented at the annual Footwear Awards on Thursday 12th June 2025.
Funding & Support
LEATHER
If you are struggling to afford leather for your award entry please get in touch. We are delighted to be able to invite students to apply for funding up to £100 per entry, to buy leather with the generous support of The Leathersellers’ Foundation.
are offering a 20% discount on leathers bought for making your award entry, up to the value of £100
are offering a 20% discount on leathers bought for making your award entry, up to the value of £200
If you would like to access the discounts or to apply for financial support please download and complete this form and email it to us.
LASTS
If you don’t have a pair of lasts we’d be happy to loan you some to make your competition entry on. Just drop us an email.
Q&A
Please take a look here if you have any questions, or email us
COPYRIGHT
By entering the competition, entrants agree and acknowledge that work submitted may be digitised/photographed and used in press releases/publications/social media by and on behalf of the organiser (The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers) and the award sponsor (Carréducker).
A copy of the award winner’s work may form part of the ‘Cordwainers’ Collection’ at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and/or be put on display by the Cordwainers’ Company.
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers is an inclusive organisation and welcomes submissions from entrants of all ages, backgrounds, faiths and cultures.