In 1923, Edgar Payne founded a business from his garden shed in Barnsley. A skilled craftsman, Edgar had recently moved from his hometown of Irchester, Northamptonshire, where he repaired shoes for a number of high-profile brands.As well as being a talented cobbler, Edgar also had a keen business sense, and quickly secured a contract with the British Army, repairing 100 boots a week which were delivered on horse and cart.
Matthew had worked with the store since he left school at 15, showing an early talent for the family trade. In 2018, when John passed away, Natalie would join Matthew, leaving her job as a teacher at the local village school. “We have never employed anyone outside the family,” says Natalie, “The quality of work Matthew produces is first class, and we just never needed to. “He isn’t academic, and he wouldn’t mind me saying so, but he’s very hands on, he’s very skilled.