Purcell Designs Shoemakers Museum with Faceted Brick Extension
In Somerset, England, the Shoemakers Museum, a creation by the British studio Purcell, brings together a historic manor house and a 17th-century barn through an architecturally striking, faceted brick extension. This thoughtfully designed museum, commissioned by the Alfred Gillett Trust, is a tribute to both the region's rich fossil history and the enduring legacy of shoemaking, notably featuring the story of the globally recognized Clarks brand, which originated in the nearby village of Street two centuries ago.
The Shoemakers Museum: A Fusion of Heritage and Design in Somerset
The Shoemakers Museum, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Somerset, England, represents a remarkable achievement in adaptive reuse and contemporary architectural design. The project, undertaken by the esteemed UK studio Purcell, skillfully links a venerable 16th-century manor house with a robust 17th-century barn through an innovative, L-shaped brick extension. This modern addition, characterized by its colonnaded facade and intricate brickwork, embraces a central green lawn, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
Inside, the museum thoughtfully allocates its diverse collections. The two-story brick extension, with its striking zigzagging exterior and corbelled brick detailing crafted by local artisan PJ Cook, houses the comprehensive shoe galleries. These exhibits delve into the art and history of shoemaking, prominently featuring the legacy of the Clarks company. The design of the extension subtly echoes Clarks' brand identity, incorporating elements reminiscent of brogue perforations, visible stitching, and pinked edges, thereby celebrating the craft and quality intrinsic to the brand. As Purcell architect Alasdair Ferguson noted, the building itself embodies the essence of the exhibits it contains, creating a tangible connection to the past.
Complementing the shoe exhibits, the meticulously renovated barn is dedicated to the region's fossil collections, showcasing the deep geological history of Somerset. The updated manor house provides essential visitor amenities, including a welcoming cafe and administrative offices. Purcell's design philosophy extended to the choice of materials, with approximately 70% of the Blue Lias limestone used in the museum's construction salvaged from the site. This locally sourced material, known for containing fossil traces, further roots the building in its geographical and historical context. The museum not only serves as a repository of historical artifacts but also as a vibrant community hub, connecting the town of Street to its profound heritage of craftsmanship and natural history.
The creation of the Shoemakers Museum by Purcell is a testament to how architectural design can serve as a bridge between a community's past and its present. It beautifully illustrates that modern extensions can enhance, rather than detract from, the character of historic buildings. The museum's focus on local heritage, from its meticulous brickwork reflecting shoemaking traditions to the use of geological materials, offers a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of craft, history, and place. This project provides a compelling model for future cultural institutions aiming to revitalize historical structures while simultaneously creating engaging and relevant spaces for contemporary audiences.