Frances Pinnock has received the HCA/NADFAS Heritage Crafts Bursary of over £4,000 to train with cordwainers Carréducker and pattern cutter Fiona Campbell, as well as equipment that will allow her to pursue a shoe making apprenticeship.

Previously Frances had worked as a leatherworker at Bill Amberg Studio and has taken evening classes in traditional hand welted shoe making.

Frances says: “The time it takes to become a high-end craftsperson, such as James Ducker and Deborah Carré, is very lengthy and I am at the very beginning of my training. However I am extremely passionate about the craft and have been slowly building connections, knowledge, skills and tools over the last three years that have further fuelled my interest. With the funding I will be able to take my skills to the next level.”