Shoemakers Museum wins Supreme Award at the 2026 Brick Awards
The Shoemakers Museum in Street, Somerset, has received three accolades at the 2026 Brick Awards, including the prestigious Supreme Award, recognising excellence in architectural design, innovation, material use and craftsmanship.
Designed by Purcell for the Alfred Gillett Trust, the museum also won the Public and Sustainability categories at the Brick Development Association's 50th anniversary awards. The triple success recognises the project's exceptional brickwork, sensitive integration of historic buildings and commitment to sustainable design.
Opened in September 2025, Shoemakers Museum celebrates 200 years of Clarks’ shoemaking heritage, bringing together a 16th-century manor house, a 17th-century barn and a contemporary brick extension to create a new cultural destination for Street, where the iconic footwear brand was founded.
In awarding the project, the judges noted: “The Shoemakers Museum brings together delightful brickwork, a strong response to the site’s 200-year history and collection, and a thoughtful approach to sustainability. Delivered within a challenging budget and programme, it demonstrates impressive craftsmanship alongside carefully considered material choices, including locally sourced brick and reclaimed stone.”
– Alasdair Ferguson, Senior Architect, Purcell
Central to the design is a distinctive brick façade inspired by traditional shoemaking techniques, including broguing, perforations and stitching. Delivered in collaboration with Northcot Brick and A. Willmott Brickwork, the intricate detailing demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can inform contemporary architecture while celebrating the site’s industrial heritage.
The project’s sustainability credentials were also recognised, with more than 70% of the site’s Blue Lias stone salvaged and reused, alongside locally sourced materials and innovative timber construction techniques.
Rob Flello, Chief Executive of the Brick Development Association, commented:
“Shoemakers Museum is an exceptional example of what can be achieved when architectural vision, craftsmanship and a deep understanding of the material come together.
“The project demonstrates how clay brick can be used to celebrate a building’s heritage while creating something contemporary and distinctive. Its thoughtful approach to sustainability and the extraordinary skill evident in the brickwork makes it a thoroughly deserving Supreme Winner.”
The triple win marks another significant achievement for Shoemakers Museum and the Alfred Gillett Trust, which was named AJ100 Client of the Year earlier this year, and celebrates the collective expertise and craftsmanship of the project team.
