Not only are the number of educational facilities for footwear now extremely rare in the UK but shoemaking  is all too often referred to as simply a 'dying trade'. However none of this deterred Nicholas Cooper from migrating East across the Midlands to learn what they also refer to as the 'gentle craft'.

“Whether shoemaking is dying or thriving has never an issue for me because there is always room for something truly creative and original. There are at least five top shoemaking companies in Northampton alone (not including mine!) and there are many more across the county - most of them famous as far away as Italy, America, and Japan. Each one has its own unique product and brand identity and that is what I intended to create.”

Nicholas' designs reflect much of the traditional English footwear heritage that is unique to the county of Northamptonshire. The creation of Stamp Shoes however was not simply a means of replicating designs that are already in existence, far from it. In a radical transformation each pair of shoes is brought to life with the unrestrained use of vibrant colour that you might only normally see in the world of sneakers.

Supported by Creative Northants Nicholas runs his footwear workshop from the Portfolio Centre where he began experimenting with a range of surface techniques in leather including digital printing and colour patina.

“The dream was simple, create shoes that I would want to wear myself, shoes that are undeniably classy and yet unashamedly colourful at the same time.”

Stamp offers a range of different services. All shoes are fitted, with sessions taking place at either the Stamp Shoes workshop or at the customer's location. Customers can have any shoe from the handmade collection pre-fitted by consultation or they can create their own original design through the bespoke service.

Nicholas Cooper 07733 551211
www.stampshoes.com
Location: Northampton

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