Clarks Shoemakers Factory Tour

Prescott & Mackay 'Made in Britain' Factory Tour Series: Clarks Factory Tour.

This unique factory tour provides you with the best opportunity to explore the legendary craftsmanship of one of the most respected fashion manufacturing bases in the UK, which is not usually open to the public.

The Clarks brand was founded in 1825 in Somerset, when James Clark created the first slippers. This was the very first Clarks shoe and the opening chapter in a remarkable story that continues to unfold to this day. Six generations later, Clarks is the world’s largest casual and smart shoe company and the fourth largest footwear company on the planet, combining tradition, innovation and modern technology.

Schedule:

11:30am: Students are welcomed by our tutor at Bath Spa train station and taken to Clarks. The schedule for the day is outlined.

1:00-2:00pm: Visit to the Museum: 187 years of Clarks history, including examples of the most iconic styles, alongside shoe designs through the ages.

2:00-4:00pm: Clarks Factory Visit: Students will be guided by one of our tutors and a staff member from the label. The tour will include the following:

• Last Making: Hand crafting of the last – the most crucial part of any shoe. Visitors will get to see lasts being made by the company's team of last modellers.
• Engineering: Visitors will be shown how 3D printed shoes are created, to aid communication between Clarks and their offshore factory partners and internal decision-making.
• Laboratory: It is important that all Clarks footwear is fit for purpose. The lab tour shows how the company tests their shoes, materials and components to ensure that excellent standards are met.