A photographic print of Industry, Boot & Shoe

BESPOKE BOOTMAKERS CLOSES DOWN THROUGH LACK OF CRAFTSMEN. KT/RS. Last week saw the closing down of the World-famous bespoke bootmakers PEAL & Co.Ltd. of Wigmore Street. Up to the end the business was still being run by father and son directors MR. CECIL and MR. RODNEY PEAL, fifth and sixth generation of the family who founded the business 174 years ago. Among it's clients, EARL MOUNTBATTEN, the DUKE OF WINDSOR, the late SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL, for whom they made boots and shoes for 40 years up until his death, and host of Royal and other prominent personages. Although they have been getting about 1,000 new clients every year, they are closing because they just cannot get the skilled craftsmen essential to maintain their high standard. Most of the clients had their owns lasts, from which the shoes were made, measurements being exact to the millimetre, and the lasts are now being sold to the customers for 3 guineas ach. PHOTO SHOWS - 62-year-old MR.WILLIAM SCUDDER of Shepherd's Bush who has been at PEAL's for 49 years, is seen working on the last pair of boots that the firm is making, for the Household Cavalry. PEAL's have been making boots for the Household Cavalry and Horse Guards, which call for a high degree of skill, for many years. FOX PHOTOS 9th FEBRUARY 1965 717384. INDUSTRY - BOOT & SHOE