Church's and Harry Lawtey celebrate 50 years of the iconic Shannon Derby
The 50th anniversary campaign for the Shannon derby was shot at West Wycombe House in Buckinghamshire
Words: Zak Maoui
British actor Harry Lawtey is currently celebrating the release of the big blockbuster movie Joker: Folie à Deux, as well as HBO's Industry, where he has starring roles in both. But he's also taken on another acting part, albeit not for film or television. Lawtey is helping Church's celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shannon Derby, which since 1974 has been one of the British brand's most iconic silhouettes.
With creative direction from David James, photography by Phil Poynter and styling by Tom Guinness, the new campaign, which was shot at the 18th-century West Wycombe House in Buckinghamshire (a location for Downton Abbey, Labyrinth and A Clockwork Orange), sees Lawtey act in an array of different personalities. Those personalities are drawn from some of Britain's most British of names, including photographer and filmmaker Lord Snowdon, and actor and writer David Niven. He's decked out in top hats and tails, bow ties and a tailored suits. And, of course, Church's Shannon Derbys.
This is Lawtey as you haven't seen him before, in many guises. And while the campaign imagery and film reflect Lawtey's own versatility as an actor, they also highlight the enduring timelessness of the Shannon Derby. Characterised by its rounded toe and fuss free, laced-up upper, the Shannon is the hero in the Church's portfolio of footwear.
And in its 50th year, a re-edition of the 1974 Shannon is constructed from Church’s 224 last and comes in both black and darmarock binder leather, as seen in the campaign, while a broader Shannon collection is crafted using the 103 last and will be available in black, sandalwood, burgundy, navy, and wood green styles.
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