Barker
United Kingdom
Barker is a British shoemaker founded in 1880 in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, by the bootmaker Arthur Barker. It makes men's and women's shoes and boots, with a factory still in the same village.
| Founded | 1880 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Arthur Barker |
| Headquarters | Earls Barton, Northamptonshire |
| Core products | Men's and women's leather shoes and boots |
| Website | eu.barkershoes.com |
What is Barker?
Barker is a British footwear brand based in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, a county long associated with English shoemaking. It was founded in 1880 by Arthur Barker, a bootmaker known for waterproof peg-sole boots.
History
- Around 1900: Barker invests in factory premises.
- First World War: the company secures contracts to supply boots to the British army.
- Interwar years: Arthur's three sons join the business and expand into new markets.
- 1947: a new factory is built for women's shoe production.
- 1950: a separate sales company is set up to sell directly to retailers.
- 1987: the current factory and offices open on a 4.5 acre site close to the original one.
Products and positioning
Barker makes men's and women's shoes, including brogues, oxfords, derbys, loafers, boots, monk straps, sneakers and slippers, plus belts, leather goods and shoe care products. The company says its craftspeople make about 200,000 pairs of hand-lasted, sewn shoes each year.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Barker shoes from?
Barker is from Earls Barton in Northamptonshire, England, where it was founded in 1880 and still has its factory.
Who founded Barker?
Barker was founded by the bootmaker Arthur Barker in 1880.