In a period of political and social uncertainty, how can what you wear help to express your beliefs and what you stand for? TOWARDS MEMORIAL is an art project that explores this question by remaking a pair of sandals designed and made by the socialist writer, poet and activist Edward Carpenter (1844-1929). During his lifetime, Carpenter sought to improve the living and working conditions of the working class. This included a greater awareness of, and openness to, our physical and spiritual relationship with others and the natural environment. Carpenter also supported equal rights for women, and championed new ways of defining homosexual / queer relationships and identities at a time when homosexuality was illegal, whilst living openly with his life-long partner George Merrill in Millthorpe, Sheffield.

The project began in Sheffield City Archives on discovering examples of sandals Carpenter collected as reference, alongside a small newspaper advert, original photographs of Carpenter wearing the sandals, and paper foot patterns from his customers, one which was inscribed with “Self 1892”, pertaining to Carpenter himself. This led to a visit to The Garden City Collection in Letchworth to see an example made by his artist, friend and collaborator George E. Adams. Re-making the sandal was a way of interpreting the archive material and translating these sources into a contemporary design using modern materials, with ethical shoemakers Noble & Wylie (formerly Guat Shoes, established Sheffield in 1978). Each pair of sandals are handmade and stamped on each inner sole with “Self 1892”, as well as “1844” and “1929” to commemorate Carpenter’s year of birth and death.

The sandals have been initially gifted to members of The Friends of Edward Carpenter, a group of enthusiasts (and activists in their own right) who aim to commission a permanent public memorial to Carpenter in Sheffield city centre. This is where the project began to gain critical momentum. Can a pair of sandals be a form of public memorial when they are worn? Here, Carpenter's biography and ideologies align with those activists who continue his legacy today, and the project recognises their contribution to the fight against injustice and the oppression of others, including LGBTQ+ Sexual Health, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, and Sheffield Trees. Standing in these sandals activates the stories, beliefs and struggles of the past, bringing them to life for each of us in the present day. Will you join in too?

The bespoke Carpenter Sandal can be purchased from ethical shoemakers Noble & Wylie, Sheffield, and for every ten pairs sold, one will be gifted to an activist.