If you're a regular reader of the Crown Northampton blog or follower of our social media channels, then you'll know that we're proud of our town and county and all the history and heritage that's associated with it.
With our factory firmly rooted in Northampton, we're starting a feature that focuses on other interesting aspects of the town, besides just footwear. As with every area in the UK, and the world, there will always be interesting, everyday people. Be it someone that's artistic, creative, a local legend or someone that's just helpful and positive. Every area will have these specific characters that are important to their own town or city in one way or another.
So this is how it goes; the person picks their favourite Crown Northampton style and colourway to wear. We then visit our chosen subject in their natural/daily habitat or an area important to them. We spend a few hours talking and taking some pictures that capture their character and general lifestyle. No pre-arranged styling, no location scouting, just people and product.
First up in the series is Bill Pollard. Quite a difficult person to define with his wide range of creative skills and talents. But essentially, he's an artist and maker, a bit of mad scientist who's then rounded off with the spirit of an old English eccentric that has a punk mindset. To put that description into perspective and give it some meaning, Bill's most recent project was to dream up and host the inaugural Lightning Bolt Drawing World Championships 2019. An event that took place directly opposite his characterful townhouse, in the Racecourse Park, on the pavement. So now there's an actual Lightning Bolt Drawing World Champion out there. It's a real thing. Really.
Simply put, Bill is an imaginative doer with a unique and creative output. Whether it's building classic and obscure bikes or painting oversized type containing a bold message; Bill has always looked to lead the town forward in his own way whilst adding to the local community. With his late parents both highly respected artists, the family home provides a weird and wonderful backdrop filled with varying textures, individuality and expression.
For the day's shoot, Bill picked our new Overstone Hi Derby Sneaker. Fully made to order in our Northampton factory, the upper is made of Snuff calf suede tanned at the world famous C F Stead in Leeds, England. Finished with a contrast gum sole, eyelets and premium waxed laces, the brown theme runs throughout the colourway, albeit in different shades. The combination gives an updated look to this classic hi-top silhouette, normally associated with classic basketball boot colours. Internally the boot is lined with breathable, natural veg tanned leather making them soft to the foot whilst offering supreme comfort. Other key features include a subtle, non-intrusive heel pull to the back which also doubles up as lace loop where longer laces can be threaded through and wrapped around for a more secure fit and fastening. As with all Crown Northampton product across our sneaker collection, minimal stitchwork is visible throughout and the tongue is signed off with simple debossed 'Crown' branding.
Fully made in our Northampton factory, From Start To Finish.
A full range of our Overstone Hi Sneakers is available and can be viewed and ordered here.
Thanks for hosting us Bill. We'll bring round some milk next time!
Bill Pollard Projects: @billy_no_tats
Photography: Alex Natt @adnatt
