Special Announcement 📢

The Shoe Museum in Portugal will be hosting Jo Cope’s first international solo show!

The Path Is a Metaphor opens:

September 21st 2024

Jo Cope The Path Is a Metaphor exhibition at Museu do Calcado 

Join Jo Cope on the philosophical path, in search of the deeper meaning of shoes.

The Path is a Metaphor brings together footwear, installations and video, in a retrospective and journey into the artists imagination.

Jo will be taking over the contemporary art gallery in the Museu do calcado Museum from 21st sept 2024 until May 2025.

20 Years of the Virtual Shoe Museum

20 artists were invited to create a celebratory artwork in a 20x20cm square to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Virtual Shoe Museum.

Virtual Shoes - Real Love, Jo Cope 2024

Photographic image on glass 20 x 20cm

Exhibition curated by Amber Ambrose and Joyce de Gruiter

Artworks in honor of Liza Snook the founder of The Virtual Shoe Museum in 2004

Accessories of Activism

At YKK London Showroom during London Fashion Week 2024

Witness the compelling exhibition that shares the stories of previously homeless individuals supported by Shelter. Featured on the BBC and showcased internationally, this exhibition sheds light on homelessness like never before.

YKK Showroom London window installation 2024

Immerse yourself in the world of seven extraordinary artists and designers who have interpreted the stories of individuals striving for a home. Curated by Jo Cope in collaboration with Shelter, this project explores the concept of having a place to call your own.

*Candle shoe designed by Elisabeth Thorsen X Missie

This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Dan Charkow, one of the project collaborators who sadly passed in January 2024. He will continue to be remembered for his beautiful spirit and exceptional talents.

Global Footwear Award-Winner

Shoes Have Names project wins the Global Footwear Award for Social Impact.

Elisabeth Thorsen X Missy Photography Dan Lowe

Global Footwear Awards 2023 
Social Impact special projects Winner! 

Shoes Have Names 
A project collaboration between Jo Cope and the Shelter charity to bring together 10 designers x 10 previously homeless individuals. 

Design Team:
Jackie leggett, Ellen Sampson, Liz Ciokajlo, Tabitha Ringwood, Jana Zornik, Caroline Groves, Kobi Levi, Daniel Charkow, Elisabeth Thorsen, Kris Walsh

About: 
Homeless charity Shelter joined forces with artist Jo Cope for a collaboration inspired by the personal experiences of people facing life on the streets.

Ten shoemakers/designers/artists were each paired with a person that Shelter has helped through its frontline services.

This is a collection of handmade shoe artworks inspired by the personal experiences of real people facing homelessness. 
These shoes have become a touring exhibition which will next be on show at YKK London Showroom during Fashion Week in February 2024   

Each shoe represents the individuals name and their positive steps forwards. 

Thank you to @globalfootwearawards judges for recognising the project. 

Photography Nigel Essex 
Special thanks to my Shelter team collaborators Richard Hudson and Hattie Lamb and to Polly Neate CEO for support of the project. 

The Wisdom Is in Your Feet

Exhibition Opening - Jo Cope solo show at Hub Sleaford