Wootten is recognised as one of Australia’s last few workshops continuing the dying art of hand making quality shoes and leather goods. Founded in Adelaide’s iconic jam factory arts collective in the mid 1970’s surrounded by Australia’s leading craft practitioners, the generational tradition of handcrafting boots and leather goods continues from their repurposed World War Two munitions workshop in the historic city of Ballarat – Victoria.

Lead by master cordwainer, Jess Wootten, Wootten’s small team of highly skilled leather craftspeople are renowned for their timeless and considered approach to design, craft and construction. Creating every item, including shoes, bags, aprons and accessories, from their workshop in Ballarat by hand. Go behind the scenes of the working space, but also visit the retail shop open to the public.

This event is part of 2026 Ballarat Craft and Design Week.