Inside the Factory Season 7 Episode 4 Leather Boots

Inside the Factory is a British television documentary series that explores the manufacturing processes of everyday products and foods. The show takes viewers behind the scenes of factories to see how things are made, giving a fascinating insight into the complicated processes involved in producing everyday items. In season 7, episode 4, the focus is on the production of leather boots.

The episode begins at a tannery in Northamptonshire, England. Here, the raw animal hides are turned into leather using a traditional vegetable tanning process. This involves soaking the hides in giant pools of tanning liquor made with tree bark and other natural ingredients. The leather is left to soak for several weeks, during which time it absorbs the tanning agents and develops a rich, deep colour.

Next, the leather is transported to a nearby boot factory, where it is cut into the various pieces that will make up the boots. The cutting process is done using a mixture of machines and hand tools, with each piece carefully measured and cut to ensure it fits together perfectly. The leather is then passed over to the stitching team, who stitch the pieces together using heavy-duty sewing machines.

Once the boots have been stitched together, they are sent to be lasted. This is the process of shaping the leather around a mould to give the boot its final shape. This is a skilled job, with each boot carefully shaped and stretched by hand to ensure a perfect fit. The boots are then left to dry before being sent to the finishing department.

In the finishing department, the boots are treated with a variety of oils, waxes, and other chemicals to give them their final look and feel. The leather is polished to give it a shine, and any imperfections are carefully removed by hand. The boots are then inspected to make sure they meet the company's high standards before being packed ready for shipping.

Alongside the main story of the leather boot production, the episode also explores the history of the leather industry in Northamptonshire. The town has been famous for its shoemaking for hundreds of years, and the programme looks at how the industry has evolved over time to keep up with changes in technology and fashion.

The show is presented by Gregg Wallace, who provides an enthusiastic and engaging commentary throughout. Wallace interviews the workers and managers at each stage of the production process, asking questions about the techniques and methods they use. He also provides some interesting background information about the history of the industry, making the show both informative and entertaining.

Overall, Inside the Factory season 7 episode 4 is a fascinating look at the process of making leather boots. The programme is well-produced and expertly filmed, providing a real insight into the complex and skilled processes involved in producing high-quality footwear. Whether you're a fan of fashion or just interested in manufacturing, this episode offers an excellent glimpse behind the scenes of this fascinating industry.