Craft to America, Style to Britain

Northampton and the Ivy League.

The Influence of the Ivy League on the Northamptonshire Footwear Industry. A celebration of the enduring craftsmanship of the Northamptonshire shoemakers and their stylistic links to American collegiate and mid-century styles.

The exhibition channelled the perennial popularity and heritage of the elite universities of the North Eastern United States, how that style transferred to Britain via Hollywood and modern jazz, whilst demonstrating that much of the output crafted by the Northamptonshire industry is inspired by the Ivy League look.

The exhibition also brings the manufacturing process to life. Photo-shoots and film from local production details the meticulous craft skills and continued investment required to create the highest standards of footwear in the world.  

An exhibition by Tim Walker and Plastic Crayons with support from the British Footwear Association.
(Shown at Northampton University Park Campus and Timothy Everest Atelier Spitalfields)