The Boot Shop is a community centre based in Easingwold, York.

Previously a footwear shop, United Response have been running The Boot Shop since 1994. It now hosts workshops in the arts, health and wellbeing to help people with learning disabilities find the things they love doing most.

Covid-19 Creativity

The Boot Shop found itself unexpectedly shut for a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Not stopping for a moment, people we support in the area used lockdown as a chance to tap into their creative side, producing brilliant photos, paintings and mixed-media pieces.

Their work is now being showcased in a free exhibition at Easingwold Community Library.  

Colourful art work from the people we support

The exhibit came about after Linda, who manages the library’s exhibitions, was put in touch with Team Leader, Brian Timmins.

Brian was really keen to find a way to showcase the brilliant work created by people we support over lockdown:

The photographic work that came out of lockdown was fantastic. New members of staff have brought new skills too, like the button art.

It’s just a real celebration of what the team have achieved – supporting people with exceptional artistic skill and talent.

Most importantly, it starts to change people’s ideas about who the people we support are and what they’re capable of. That’s really powerful.

There are about fifteen pieces of art on display, including photos, mosaics, fine art, felting, quilting and even button art! There really is something for everybody.  

Linda said:

Having their work displayed for the public to see has really boosted their self-confidence

Another exhibition for Cameron

One talented artist whose work is currently on display is Cameron Long.

Cameron gets a lot of his inspiration from looking at art books. As well as Van Gogh, his other favourite artists are Pissarro, Cezanne, Dufy, Picasso and Thiebaud. His work was also featured in The Leaping Hare Gallery in Easingwold, back in 2021. 

Two of the artworks Cameron exhibited at Easingwold Community Library

The Boot Shop team have also been busy making and selling cards with prints from the exhibit. The cards have proven to be very popular and helped bring in lots of donations. 

What the visitors are saying

The visitors’ book is full of praise for the exhibition. Here are a few of our favourite comments so far:  

What a creative group you are. Such a pleasure to see your wonderful work.

What an amazing display. Such a variety of different pieces.

All very beautiful and well thought out. Well done.

Nine different pieces of artwork from people we support

The exhibit will be on display until October 2022 at Easingwold Community Library.

  • Ali Mills is Communications and Engagement Officer for United Response.