Jeremy Atkinson Hand Carves Traditional English Clogs in 2026 to Save Ancient Craft

Jeremy Atkinson is the only man left in England making shoes by hand from wood and leather. He uses trees that are 20 to 30 years old to create footwear that lasts longer than modern shoes.
By Newsroom | Traditional Crafts, England |

In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, one craftsman in England continues a centuries-old tradition, shaping wood and leather with his hands. Jeremy Atkinson, widely recognized as the last remaining maker of traditional, bespoke clogs in England, faces the challenge of preserving a craft that spans Roman times. His work, while providing functional and supportive footwear, also embodies a tangible connection to history, a stark contrast to the "2D and fake" modern environment.

The Enduring Craft of Clog Making

The practice of clog making in England has a long history, with regional variations in wood and style. Historically, English clog makers often used alder sourced from Wales and the West Country, birch from Scotland, and willow from Lincolnshire. Welsh clog makers, for instance, favored alder, birch, and sycamore. These wooden shoes, carved by hand, offered practical footwear for various communities.

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  • Material Selection: The choice of wood was crucial. Trees typically aged 20-30 years were felled green. This allowed the wood to be worked following its natural grain.

  • Technique: Traditional methods involved carving the wooden soles using swivel knives. This process required considerable skill, as exemplified by a scar on Atkinson's hand, a reminder of a slip with a knife.

  • Leather Uppers: Alongside carving the soles, the craft also involves skilled cutting, dyeing, and stitching of leather uppers. The varying oil content within different hides presented a further complexity to the work.

Jeremy Atkinson: A Sole Practitioner

Jeremy Atkinson stands as a singular figure in the modern landscape of English craft. He openly states, "I'm the last of the traditional cloggers making bespoke clogs in England. I hand cut the leather uppers and hand carve the soles." This declaration underscores the precarious state of his unique profession.

Experience: I’m the last traditional clog maker in England - 1

  • Bespoke Creation: Atkinson produces clogs on request, a practice that highlights the individualized nature of his work. He has made clogs for individuals, including specific pairs for a film and theatre company, indicating the broader appeal and historical interest in his creations.

  • Legacy and Transmission: While Atkinson is matter-of-fact about his position, he acknowledges the importance of his craft beyond the physical product. He has begun teaching, notably instructing Geraint Parfitt, who is described as the only hand carver in Wales. This act of teaching represents a conscious effort to prevent the complete disappearance of the skill.

  • Personal Philosophy: Atkinson has developed a finishing style he calls 'unplugged,' suggesting a move towards a more fundamental and authentic presentation of his work, which he views as more than just footwear in a superficial world.

Research and Wider Connections

Atkinson's dedication to his craft extends beyond his workshop. He has undertaken research trips to Spain and France to study and understand European clog-making traditions. This broader engagement indicates a deep commitment to the historical context and evolution of his art.

  • Advisory Role: His expertise has led him to advise film and theatre companies on the history and making of clogs, further cementing his status as a knowledgeable authority.

  • Shared Tradition: He notes that he has taught Geraint Parfitt, and it is observed that both Atkinson and Parfitt are among the few remaining hand carvers. This pairing suggests a shared understanding and perhaps a limited network of practitioners.

The Practical and Symbolic Value of Clogs

Beyond their historical significance, the clogs crafted by Atkinson serve a practical purpose, offering therapeutic benefits for some wearers.

  • Foot Support: Numerous satisfied customers have found Atkinson's clogs to be effective in providing support for foot conditions and managing pain.

  • Tangible Creation: The process of transforming a block of wood into a tangible item is described as "reputing," suggesting a deeply satisfying and grounding aspect to the work. This contrasts sharply with the often ephemeral nature of digital or mass-produced goods.

Conclusion: Preserving a Skill in a Modern World

Jeremy Atkinson’s position as England's last traditional clog maker highlights the ongoing tension between historical craft and contemporary society. His commitment to hand carving, attention to material detail, and efforts to pass on his knowledge to Geraint Parfitt are critical in safeguarding this ancient skill. The scarcity of practitioners, with Atkinson and Parfitt being the only known hand carvers, underscores the urgent need for continued recognition and support for such traditional trades. The question of whether Atkinson sees himself as a "flame keeper" for this fading art form is a probing one, hinting at the weight of responsibility he carries in maintaining a connection to a past era through his meticulously crafted footwear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Jeremy Atkinson and why is he famous in England?
Jeremy Atkinson is the last person in England who makes wooden shoes, called clogs, entirely by hand. He uses old tools and knives to keep a 2,000-year-old tradition alive for people who want authentic footwear in 2026.
Q: What materials does Jeremy Atkinson use to make traditional clogs?
He uses wood from trees that are 20 to 30 years old, such as alder, birch, and willow. He also uses real leather for the tops of the shoes, which he cuts, dyes, and stitches by hand in his workshop.
Q: How does Jeremy Atkinson help people with foot pain in 2026?
Many customers buy his handmade clogs because the solid wooden soles provide very strong support for the feet. This helps reduce pain and provides a comfortable way to walk for people who find modern shoes too soft or weak.
Q: Who is Jeremy Atkinson teaching to make sure clog making does not disappear?
Jeremy is teaching a man named Geraint Parfitt how to carve wood by hand. By sharing his secrets, Jeremy ensures that the skill of making traditional clogs will continue even after he stops working.