MAIN PERSON
Tanner Nol, shoemaker Johan, stitcher Anna, shoe manufacturer Treffers and shoe saleswoman Josina are the main characters in The Story of the Langstraat. They tell about the hard work, the poverty of many and the wealth of the elite. But also about pride in the products they made, the changing landscape, factory work and the joys and sorrows shared through shoe timelines and iconic objects and images. The highlight is the little store where Josine sells her shoes. The shop window provides the backdrop for yet more stories of seemingly random passersby marking the end of an era. Josina's counter holds one of the showpieces of the Schoenenkwartier: a shoe from the Giant of Rotterdam; size 62!
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THE NEWSROOM
The apotheosis of Het Verhaal Van De Langstraat is formed by the newsroom. The sections on the wall look back at the illustrious past of the leather and shoe industry and the demise of the many companies that were forced to close their doors for good in the 1960s-1970s. But also on later developments in training, shoe design and fashion and the many companies in the region that are still active in leather and footwear. The newsroom forms the link to the Knowledge Center of the Shoe Quarter; a treasure trove where, in addition to books and trade magazines, material samples, methods of making provide additional information about the special crafts that put Waalwijk and the surrounding area on the map.
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Final exam work by shoemaking and shoe design students, unusual new labels and high-profile new design: the footwear in this closet deserves a spot in In The Spotlight. Are you a maker or designer and does your design belong here? Send a photo including dimensions, year of manufacture and a short motivation to museum@schoenenkwartier.nl and who knows, maybe your design will soon be In The Spotlight!
