Collection: Penelope Chilvers

Born and raised in England, Penelope Chilvers originally trained as a painter at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London, and was granted a scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Culture, to complete an MA at Complutense University in Madrid.

Her love affair with Spain and local craftsmanship began long before. As a child, she spent every school holiday in the province of Girona where she first came across rustic, handmade alpargatas. She has been trying to make the perfect raw edged, bullhide moccasin that only exists in her childhood memories ever since! 

For a few years, Penelope lived in the city of Barcelona, working as a painter and designer where she collaborated with artists and artisans. She worked with woodturners designed for the textile industry, and worked on interesting projects including the restoration of the Picasso Museum. While living in Barcelona, she enjoyed riding in her lunch break in the national park of Collserola in the hills above the city wearing traditional Spanish riding boots.