Jackie Leggett, a 55-year-old artisan from Leicester, is carrying on a unique family tradition as one of only five individuals in the UK still hand-making clogs. Her dedication to the craft honours the legacy of her great-grandfather, who operated a clog shop in Maryport, Cumbria, in the early 1900s, and her father, who owned a shoe factory.
According to Heritage Crafts, a charity committed to celebrating and safeguarding traditional skills, clog making is critically endangered, featuring on their 'red list'. This designation signifies that the craft is at risk of dying out, with numbers of practitioners having significantly declined over the past two decades. Ms Leggett, who has been practising the craft for over 30 years, views clogs not merely as footwear but as a vital part of Britain's cultural heritage, symbolising the industrious past of mining communities and mill workers.
Unlike the more widely recognised Dutch clogs, the British version typically comprises a leather upper attached to a substantial wooden sole. Ms Leggett explains that these wooden soles, far from being uncomfortable, gradually mould to the wearer's foot, offering surprising comfort. She also notes their exceptional durability and repairability, stating that a well-maintained pair can 'last a lifetime'.
Ms Leggett's connection to footwear manufacturing runs deep. She spent holidays working at her father's shoe factory, Leggett Footwear, in Maryport during the 1970s and 80s, gaining valuable insights into the production process. Her formal training in clog making began at Leicester Polytechnic (now De Montfort University), where she crafted her first pair of clog boots as a tribute to her great-grandfather.
Today, Ms Leggett sells her bespoke clogs online, often creating commissioned pieces for repeat customers, with pairs typically priced around £300. Mary Lewis, head of craft sustainability at Heritage Crafts, highlights the charity's efforts to revive such skills, including offering grants of up to £4,000 for training and materials for those wishing to learn red-listed crafts like clog making. This initiative aims to address the challenge of accessing appropriate training, which is crucial for aspiring artisans.
Ms Leggett remains hopeful that more people will embrace this traditional art. She believes that truly handmade, individual footwear will always find a market, and that the unique appeal of British-made clogs lies in their authenticity and connection to a rich historical narrative.