Barker Black

Barker Black History

Barker Black represents the epitome of contemporary English elegance, tracing its roots back to 1880 when Arthur Barker established the Barker factory in Earls Barton. The factory gained a reputation for employing skilled craftsmen and producing fine workmanship, particularly in “Good Year Welted” shoes, which became a staple in the wardrobe of discerning Englishmen.

Barker Black was established as a modern alternative to Barker Shoes, offering sleek designs and time-honoured construction that can be worn confidently in even the most formal workplaces. While Barker Black upholds the standards set by previous generations of renowned craftsmen, it also incorporates modern styling that injects a sense of excitement into dressing.

The core collection of Barker Black draws inspiration from the 17th Lancers, an ancient regiment of British guardsmen. The regiment’s skull and crossbones emblem, along with its motto of “Death or Glory,” serves as the foundation of Barker Black’s subversive attitude. The collection’s sleek and sophisticated designs with a touch of arrogance conjure images of the regiment’s black and silver dress regalia, fitting for today’s modern-day Lancers.

Barker Black adopted the regiment’s motto, which was discovered in an archive in Sudbury, England, imbuing its pieces with the spirit, energy, and sophistication of the Lancers. Every piece in the collection contains subtle details that pay homage to the regiment, such as a crown cutout on a traditional penny loafer or delicate broguing on the toe shaped like a crowned skull and crossbones.

With over 130 years of producing quality bench-made shoes in a factory with royal christening, Barker Black continues to honour its storied past while pushing the boundaries in design, details, and sophisticated elegance. It has set a new benchmark for others to follow.

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