New Work #A Mano 5 -Freed Of London / by rick smee

A MANO 5 -FREED OF LONDON

Freed of London is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of professional dance shoe two-thirds of all Freed Classic pointe shoes are made to dancers specific requirements and are worn by Prima Ballerinas worldwide including Sylvie Guillem, Nina Ananiashvilli, Tamara Rojo as well as supplying some of the worlds' most prestigious ballet companies. This photo essay takes you through you through the manufacturing process examining the craftsmanship that goes into creating something so beautiful and robust.

From humble beginnings in London’s West End, Freed of London was founded by cobbler Frederick Freed in 1929. Working from a basement in Covent Garden, the same site where the brand’s flagship store now stands, Mr. Freed and his wife revolutionised the dance shoe industry by tailoring shoes to a dancer’s individual needs. To this day this philosophy remains, and Freed of London shoes continue to be made by hand in the UK.