THE TEAM
Our team of bespoke shoemakers at Bill Bird Shoes. From left to right: George, Emily, Chris, Rebecca and Bill
Emily
After studying Art and Fashion, I went on to train
at Cordwainer’s (now part of London College of Fashion), where I discovered a
passion for footwear design. While researching shoemakers, I found Bill Bird
Shoes near my hometown in Gloucestershire and soon connected with Bill himself.
He invited me to a clinic at the London Foot Hospital, where I saw firsthand
the vital role footwear plays in people’s health and mobility.
That experience shifted my focus from fashion to
function. I became fascinated by orthopaedic and bespoke footwear, especially
for those with complex foot needs. One of my first projects was designing shoes
for a diabetic family member — a turning point that confirmed my commitment to
creating shoes that truly make a difference.
I soon found myself wandering the magical
staircase of Foster & Son, a historic bespoke shoemaker nestled in London’s
West End. Over the course of three years, I immersed myself in the traditions
of classic shoemaking—honing my skills in leather cutting, shoe rooming, and seeing
the master's at work. The workshop felt like home, but something deeper was
stirring.
It became clear to me that this niche world of
craftsmanship was missing something: it was not built for people with unique or
complex feet. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap—to combine the luxury of
hand-crafted shoes with the specific needs of those often overlooked by
traditional bespoke shoemaking. The artistry should be for everyone, not just
those who fit the mold.
But to make that vision a reality, I knew I needed
to go somewhere that understood the intricacies of complex foot
conditions—somewhere that could bring both worlds together with skill, empathy,
and precision.
That journey brought me back to Bill Bird
Shoes—where I’ve proudly been since December 2005. Here, I’ve spent decades
deepening my craft: refining the art of pattern making, mastering last
fittings, and diving into the intricacies of truly bespoke shoemaking. Helping
clients design footwear that reflects their personality—choosing leathers,
colours, and perfecting styles—is not just part of the job, it’s a creative and
joyful collaboration.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have
found Bill—a master in every sense—and a mentor who generously shares his
knowledge. In this space, I also found something even more special: my
shoemaking family. Every day is shaped by the energy of wonderfully talented,
slightly mad individuals who bring humour, heart, and serious skill to every
project.
With our specialist focus on complex feet and
custom designs, problem-solving becomes a fascinating puzzle. Here, fashion and
functionality aren’t competing forces—they walk hand in hand, resulting in
footwear that’s not only beautiful, but truly life-changing for many of our
clients.
Rebecca
I first stepped into the Bill Bird Workshop in
2006, to take part in a week of work experience while I was doing my degree in
footwear design at De Montfort University, Leicester - and I was instantly
hooked, the old fashioned atmosphere, like steeping back in time, the smell of
the leather and all the wonderful tools, old and new.
My love affair with footwear actually began much earlier, during my school days when I was working part-time in a high end French footwear boutique. That’s where I first started to think about how shoes not only look but function, from there I focused my higher education on exploring every creative and technical angle of footwear I could.
It was that first visit to the workshop and then watching Bill work that truly inspired my passion for traditional Bespoke shoemaking.
After graduating, I came back to the workshop,
became Bill’s apprentice, determined to learn from the ground up, quite
literally!
I still find joy everyday in learning new skills, solving problems, and connecting with our clients, creating footwear that really helps them in their everyday lives. No two pairs of feet are ever the same and neither are the clients - and that keeps the work both challenging and wonderfully rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone walk away in a pair of shoes that are not only comfortable but look great too, empowering our client’s again, making them feel great too.
Chris
I first joined Bill Bird Shoes as Bill’s apprentice last maker - and that’s where my journey into the world of shoemaking began. Before then I’d always been making things and working with my hands, learning new skills, but the creativity, problem solving, and craftsmanship felt like the perfect fit.
I’ve always been a practical, creative person. From school I became an apprentice textile fabricator and machinist, which turned into a full-time job. Over time, I built up the experience working with all kinds of materials, seams and construction techniques, anything from huge banners and marquees to stage backdrops.
I took a turn into the world of vintage and
classic cars, learning how to trim interiors and upholster antique furniture.
That’s where my love of leatherwork really took hold - and it’s what eventually
led me to Bill Bird Shoes.
What I love most about the this work is how each day brings something new. From hand-carving wooden lasts to learning the finer points of closing uppers and shoemaking, it’s incredibly satisfying to combine craftsmanship with creativity.
Getting to meet the clients, understand their
feet and then transform that into a beautifully crafted pair of wooden lasts
and shoes, is very rewarding.
I still split my time between shoemaking and working on the classic cars and antique furniture, using and refining traditional techniques that deserve to be kept alive. Whether it’s shaping wood, stitching leather or upholstering a 1930’s car seat, I’m all about preserving and celebrating the art of making things by hand.
George
My journey with Bill Bird Shoes began on a voluntary basis,
coming in one day a week to get a feel for the workshop. That initial
experience quickly sparked a deeper interest, and by summer 2018 I had joined
the team part-time. Becoming full time that same Autumn.
I’d always enjoyed making things and something I soon came
to realise is that I’m at my best in environments that combine creativity,
hands-on work, and problem-solving. Fortunately, my role here allows me to do
exactly that every day. Whether it’s tackling technical challenges, learning
new techniques, or helping clients with unique requirements, the variety keeps
the work both engaging and rewarding.
One of the most satisfying parts of the job is seeing the
real and often life-changing difference our footwear makes to clients. Each day
brings new faces — and feet — into the workshop, being part of a team that’s
making an impact is a nice feeling.
Day to day, I take on a wide range of tasks, which has given
me valuable, broad-based experience in the craft. I’m grateful to the team here
— their knowledge, experience and energy have played a huge part in my
development. Initially my role meant I was involved in many aspects of the
process but now spend the most time at the making end of the production.
Whilst at the company I’ve also completed further training with a West End shoemaker, deepening my understanding of traditional techniques and the industry as a whole. As a shoemaker you never stop learning and as we look to the future at Bill Bird Shoes I’m excited to continue learning and contributing to the legacy of high-quality, handcrafted footwear.
The shoemaking team are supported by the Carol and Izzy. Both in the workshop on a Monday you may speak to them on the phone or correspond by email. They are there to answer any queries where possible and are always happy to pass you on to one of the shoemakers.
Mash
Mash is our much-loved workshop Cat!
She is a very special member of the team and can often be found greeting clients at the conservatory door!
She likes to get EVERYONE to open the door for her as she refuses to use the cat flap.
When
she isn’t busy at the door she likes to jump on laps, even laps that are busy
making shoes but there’s always time for a little fuss.
Favourite place to sleep:
1.
A cardboard box just behind the sewing machine so she can keep an eye on the
stitching quality, snuggled in her blankets
2.
The filing tray - she likes all files neatly put away at the end of the day!
Favourite snack: Any flavour Dreamies and Cat meaty treat sticks
Hobbies: Climbing trees, meowing very loudly for attention, running between the workshops, laying in the sunshine, meeting the clients, making clients open the door for her and chasing the critters out of the workshop!
Dislikes: The hoover, coming in when its home time.