Jackie Leggett x Shandor

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Shandor’s story

Shandor and Billy loved their home. There was a little garden where they grew tomatoes and, out front, a cul-de-sac where they flew kites.  

But then an accident at work left Shandor disabled, with two discs dislodged from his neck and PTSD as a result of his injuries. 

Because Shandor could no longer afford to pay the rent, he moved with Billy into a home owned by an elderly man named Jerry.  

The three got on well. It wasn’t perfect, but it was better than the alternative. Then Jerry died suddenly from a stroke.  

In March, Shandor checked into a homeless shelter and was told the council would decide on his case within 33 days. Six months later, there was still no word.  

“I decided to get in touch with Shelter. They sometimes ask people to get in touch with their stories to show others they’re not alone in what they’re going through.” 

Shandor was nervous he might be wasting Shelter’s time. He didn’t see his story as important – but if it could make the difference to just one person, it’d be worth it.

Shelter featured Shandor’s story in a Christmas campaign. Soon after, Channel 4 were in touch – they wanted him on the news. Over 1.5 million people watched Shandor’s story.  

 “We now have a wonderful little one-bedroom flat. Billy, Peach the rescue dog, James the tarantula, and I are finally settled and happy.” 

Jackie’s inspiration

Arrows take you on Shandor’s story around the clog, shooting up down and around, giving a feel of the frustrations of his journey.

Shandor kindly gave me copies of the X-rays from his fall down a hole and these inspired the circle and punching in the leather. X-rays also have a shadowy property which I captured by printing from carved images of Shandor and his son, who is an important part of the story; wanting to protect and have a safe space to create good memories together.

Shandor appreciated having a good pair of comfortable shoes during his time being homeless- a work type shoe with toe cap was my response.

Once at journey’s end and in permanent housing Shandor described the little things that you appreciate like having a pet snake and being able to hang pictures on the wall with hooks – the clogs are adorned with pictures hung on ski hooks.

Read the blog updates from Jackie as she made Shandor’s shoe

Jackie Leggett website

Jackie Leggett Instagram

Visit Shoes Have Names at New Brewery Arts

The exhibition is open from 30th January to 2nd April at New Brewery Arts. It’s free to visit.

Support Shelter charity shops

This exhibition first appeared at a Shelter boutique in London. We wanted to connect shopping, fashion and craft to tell stories of homelessness. Whenever you pre-loved donate clothes, or buy from us you’re helping Shelter fight the housing emergency that is devastating lives.

To donate clothing and items to our charity shops via post, for free, simply download a free postage label. Or you can find your local Shelter charity shop here.

To find out more about Shelter, click on the links below:

Shelter Website: http://england.shelter.org.uk/
Campaigning: http://england.shelter.org.uk/campaigns
Support us: https://england.shelter.org.uk/GetHelp
Get help: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help

Home is where the heart is

The thing that came to my mind when first reading my partner Shandor’s story, who was helped by Shelter, was the saying “Home is where the heart is” – anybody that knows my work will know I will always try and get a heart in there somewhere.

It also says a home is more than just four walls and a roof - it gives a sense of permanence, safety and security where the things and people you hold dear are.

This project has brought back memories of being brought up around the family shoe business, experiencing the highs and the lows and finishing with my parents losing the family home and the shame and despair felt but also the feeling that you have to fight on. Speaking to Shandor we discussed how experiencing homelessness changes your perspective and different things become important.

While homeless he told me how his favourite waterproof shoes gave him security in a time of uncertainty. With this in mind I will do a lace up clog to hold securely on the foot. My starting point was to scribble words and images which stood out to me in Shandor’s story, from the hole which caused his injury and started his journey, to the little things like hanging pictures with hooks on the wall – a sign of permanence: home. So here’s a little peak in my sketch book so far.

Jackie

Jackie Loves Clogs Website