The Shoemakers
4 Extra Debut. Ray Gosling explores the history, and his memories, of the shoemaking industry in the town of his birth, Northampton. From 2007.
Boot and shoemaking industry was once the dominant employer in Northampton and its surrounding area.
Born in the town, Ray Gosling personally remembers the sights, sounds, and smells.
Since the 1960s, most of the footwear factories have closed and shoe fashions have changed dramatically.
On a return journey to his hometown, Gosling visits a remarkable museum of shoes.
He also tracks down some of the remaining shoe manufacturers, finding out how traditional leather shoes are made by the people still making them, and why a certain market for well-made shoes is actually thriving.
Written and presented by Ray Gosling
Produced at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Manchester by Bob Dickinson
First broadcast on Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Radio 4 in December 2007.
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- Sat 29 Dec 2007 20:00Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Radio 4
- Wed 10 Jun 2026 10:00Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Radio 4 Extra
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