Norman Walsh Footwear to Be Showcased in Bolton Museum’s Landmark Exhibition
This summer, we are thrilled to announce that Norman Walsh Footwear will be featured in a special exhibition at Bolton Museum, running from 5 July 2025 to 18 January 2026. This landmark event celebrates the rich heritage of athletic footwear in Bolton — and Walsh's unique place within it.
Founded in 1961 by Norman Walsh, a skilled shoemaker trained in Bolton, our brand has spent over six decades preserving traditional craftsmanship and performance-driven design. Today, we continue to honour those values with two dedicated handmade production lines — one in the UK and one in China — both maintaining the same high standards of craft, detail, and durability that have defined our legacy.
A Proud Bolton Story
The exhibition will spotlight the history and spirit of Walsh, from our founder’s beginnings as an apprentice shoemaker in Bolton to the development of a globally respected brand worn by athletes, adventurers, and style enthusiasts alike.
Visitors to the exhibition can expect:
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A curated display of vintage Walsh shoes and classic designs, highlighting the evolution of British sportswear through the decades.
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Never-before-seen photographs, tools, and memorabilia from our archives, offering rare insight into our journey.
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A specially commissioned documentary film, bringing our story to life through interviews with people who’ve helped shape it.
Celebrating Craftsmanship Across Generations
This exhibition is not just about the past — it’s about continuing a legacy. Whether made in Bolton or on our Chinese line, every pair of Walsh shoes is crafted by hand, with care and precision passed down through generations of shoemakers.
If you value quality, heritage, and authenticity, this is your chance to connect with the story behind the shoes — and the spirit that still drives us forward.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Location: Bolton Museum
🗓 Dates: 5 July 2025 – 18 January 2026
🎟 Supported by: The National Lottery Heritage Fund
We’re honoured to be part of this special celebration and invite you to walk through our history — and see how a Bolton legacy continues to inspire footwear around the world.
Norman Walsh Footwear – Heritage in Every Step.
