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Bill was born in Canada in 1951. He came to the UK in 1967 with his parents. He studied Architecture at University College London but finally fulfilled his dream of becoming a craftsman whilst working for Lobb’s the Royal Appointment Bootmakers between 1976 and 1987. He set up Bill Bird shoes in 1987 and later qualified as a Foot Health Professional which he has continued to develop through his shoemaking. Bill currently lectures in bespoke, orthopaedic footwear design at De Montfort University, Leicester.
Rose grew up in the Cotswolds. After leaving school she worked in a wide range of jobs including being a nanny and a secretary for a bank, a solicitor and a chartered surveyor. She joined Bill Bird Shoes in 2000 originally as a secretary and accounts administrator. She has however, expanded into a range of skills in shoemaking including patternmaking, finishing and leather management. Rose is a director of the firm and is also a manageress of a gift shop in Chipping Campden.
Emily grew up in Gloucester. At aged 16 she did 2 years GNVQ at Gloucester Media College then a two year NVQ in Fashion at the Reading College of Art and Design in Maidenhead. Emily went onto the Cordwainer’s College where she graduated with a BA in footwear design and manufacture. She worked for three years for Foster’s, shoemakers in London’s West End before joining Bill Bird Shoes in December 2005. She does patternmaking, designing and last fitting.
Russell grew up in Rugby where at a young age be became very interested in equestrian activities. He excelled in many aspects of this and it was his full time profession until joining Bill Bird Shoes part time in 1996. Initially he worked lasting uppers and as a closer’s assistant. After a brief time back in the equestrian world he rejoined the firm in 2004 where he trained as a full time closer. Russell became a director of Bill Bird Shoes in 2006.
Kate grew up in the North- East moving to London in the 1970s where she worked as a journalist for IPC magazines and News International for ten years. Moving back to the NE in the 1980s she worked in PR for a number of years before joining Bill Bird Shoes in 1991. Kate now works as a teacher but continues to do marketing for the firm. She has been a director since 2003.
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