HISTORY

In 1857, in the time of Florence Nightingale's transformation of healthcare, James Taylor walked to London from his home in Norfolk to start a business in the fashionable Great Portland Street. By the late 19th century James Taylor had established a reputation for making classic shoes that not only looked beautiful, but were incredibly comfortable to wear.

Customers at that time included much of the Royalty of the countries of Europe as well as the Principals of the then newly established department stores in Oxford Street.

The firm was later run by his son, and then two grandsons until 1950 when the company merged with the Orthopaedic Footwear Company Limited under the directorship of Hannes Leo Schweiger. In 1954 the company moved to its current location in Paddington Street, conveniently located near Baker Street tube station.

The craftsmanship and tradition which made the James Taylor name famous continues today. Peter Schweiger, the son of Hannes Leo Schweiger, is the 5th generation of his family producing hand-made shoes. And, as for customers, in some families an amazing four generations have had their shoes made by James Taylor & Son.

James Taylor

Hannes Leo Schweiger

Peter Schweiger