Clog workshop
Jilles and Hannes Scherjon still produce wooden shoes every day in Scherjon’s clog workshop. They are following in the footsteps of their father Eelke and his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. This makes them the sixth generation of Scherjons since 1850. Jilles and Hannes are two of a very small number of professional clog makers in our country. Using modern methods, they make both ‘tripklompen’ (low-cut model with a leather strap over the instep) and ‘kapklompen’ (high-cut model). The traditional ‘Fryske learkeklomp’ of Friesland is their speciality. Read all about the production process and the traditional painting technique, which has even inspired the fashion designers Viktor and Rolf.
Production process
Fryske Learkeklomp
“Although we make various types of clogs, the traditional ‘Fryske learkeklomp’ of Friesland is our speciality. This low-cut model has holes for straps on either side of the clog. Leather straps are pulled through these holes and fixed in the right position using nails. Because no two feet are the same and the leather strap is adjusted to the size and shape of the foot, this model is suitable for every foot.”
Painting technique
“Our traditional painting technique is characteristic of our clogs. The colour that is applied to the clogs with this method is a mixture of different kinds of earth pigments, mixed with linseed oil. By squashing the paint with a small ball, we create the attractive patchy effect. This marbling technique was used a great deal in the past for painting floors and staircases, but nowadays you virtually never see it anywhere.”
Zilveren klomp
The continuing interest in the Netherlands in the quality and fit of clogs is shown by the fact that clogs have been assessed on these criteria since 1930. This national assessment still takes place annually, and winning the silver clog is the greatest achievement for every clog maker. In 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002 and 2004, it was Eelke Scherjon who won this coveted award.
History of the buildingHistory of the building
The company is housed in a building that is full of character, built as an almshouse in 1843. The almshouse was built on the initiative of Dr Nicolaas Ypey, a large landowner and benefactor, and areas of heathland nearby were bought to be cultivated by the poor of the locality. Ypey’s aim was to create work and improve working conditions. In 1960 the Scherjon family founded a clog-making business in this historical building. Although alterations have been made for the purposes of the business, you can see elements of the almshouse in all parts of the building, which still retains its original atmosphere.
The Shop