Each week, the Gazette takes to the streets to unearth something being manufactured right here in Hackney. This week we feature Freed of London, which creates dancing shoes for the stars from a factory in Well Street.

Hackney Gazette: Theatrical shoe designer Jimmy at work in Freed of London's Well Street factory. Picture: Freed of LondonTheatrical shoe designer Jimmy at work in Freed of London's Well Street factory. Picture: Freed of London (Image: Archant)

From its humble home halfway down Well Street, Freed of London makes shimmering shoes for twinkling toes.

The company has been producing some of the world’s finest dance shoes from the site, its main factory, since 1971.

Hackney Gazette: Up to 100,000 ballet shoes, and 30,000 theatrical dance shoes, are made in the factory each year. Picture: Freed of LondonUp to 100,000 ballet shoes, and 30,000 theatrical dance shoes, are made in the factory each year. Picture: Freed of London (Image: Archant)

The team of 90 employees shape ballet and theatrical shoes for customers from the stage to the big screen.

Up to 100,000 ballet shoes, and 30,000 theatrical dance shoes, are made here in Hackney each year.

Hackney Gazette: Up to 100,000 ballet shoes, and 30,000 theatrical dance shoes, are made in the factory each year. Picture: Freed of LondonUp to 100,000 ballet shoes, and 30,000 theatrical dance shoes, are made in the factory each year. Picture: Freed of London (Image: DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION)

In recent years, performers from the New York City Ballet to those on Strictly Come Dancing have worn Freed of London productions.

Rafiqul Haque, 32, has been a quality control assistant in the Freed factory for 12 years.

Hackney Gazette: Theatrical shoes at the Freed of London factory. Picture: Freed of LondonTheatrical shoes at the Freed of London factory. Picture: Freed of London (Image: Archant)

He told the Gazette the company’s growth has matched Hackney’s own development: “The place has really grown, and now it makes sense that our shoes go all over the world.”

And it’s always entertaining working with the company’s 10 master craftsmen who create the shoes for showbiz stars, Rafiqul said.

Hackney Gazette: Up to 100,000 ballet shoes, and 30,000 theatrical dance shoes, are made in the factory each year. Picture: Freed of LondonUp to 100,000 ballet shoes, and 30,000 theatrical dance shoes, are made in the factory each year. Picture: Freed of London (Image: Archant)

“Watching them work is fun,” he added. “It’s very different from any other job. I love it.”