The loss of an internationally-known and highly-regarded shoemaker who was based in a small workshop in Ventnor is being mourned around the world.
Kevin Garlick passed away earlier this week (12th February 2024) and leaves behind an incredible shoemaking legacy.
If you’ve ever walked past his shop, One Step Beyond, on the Ventnor’s High Street, if he wasn’t in there you be mistaken for thinking it was abandoned. Inside the dark exterior all the work benches were piled high with off cuts of leather, shoes and boots half-way through production and vintage machinery.
A world renowned shoemaker
However, those who were friends, neighbours and customers will know that Kevin was an world-renowned shoemaker, specialising in period and vintage shoes.
He handmade shoes for museums around the world, period productions in film, TV and on the stage, as well as the huge re-enactment movement.
As news started circulating around the world earlier in the week of Kevin’s death, tributes have been posted across social media.
Our thoughts go to Kevin’s wife and stepdaughter and to all his family, friends and colleagues – especially Ella, his apprentice who had been learning the craft from Kevin in recent months.
A worldwide following
Kevin had more than 6,500 followers on his Facebook account, which he regularly updated with photos of commissions he’d completed. The posts were always followed by comments from around the world from former customers sharing their delight at Kevin’s craft.
He was incredibly proud a couple of years ago when Series 2 of “A Discovery of Witches” was nominated for a BAFTA CYMRU award for Best Costume Design.
He said at the time,
“Although I was just the little man from the village who made some of the shoes, I still feel a sense of pride in this nomination.”
Captured on camera
Regular News OnTheWight readers will remember the premiere of Paul Knights’ short film about Kevin back in February 2022.
His delightful film The Shoemaker is still available to watch on YouTube (our player is not working atm).
Our thanks to Paul for sharing these photos of Kevin at work, captured during the filming.
RIP Kevin the shoemaker
Kirsty Chapman, who runs Better Days Cafe in Ventnor, explained that Kevin was a regular in the cafe, often taking his work along to the cafe and sewing leather together whilst enjoying a cup of tea in the warm space.
Kirsty was with Kevin near the end of his life and has shared this poem she wrote in his memory.
I’ve danced too many times, with the devil he said.
So he packed up his cutter and leather in the shed.
And left his shop full of wonders and his beautiful wife,
To share his talent in another life.Making shoes for the angels, and wings for the Doves.
Still using his talent, with strong hands full of love.But down here on earth, all over the globe, his shoes keep on walking, his boots keep on tapping, on screens and on boards,
In theatres and film.So while the shop is empty, and he is no more, if you listen carefully,
There’s echoes galore.RIP Kevin the shoemaker
Once we know more about funeral details, we’ll let you know. For now, we say farewell Kev, you were a true gentleman, an incredible craftsman and will be missed around the world.
