Key Points
- Bolton Museum has launched a major exhibition celebrating the town’s two most famous sportswear brands: Reebok and Norman Walsh Footwear.
- The exhibition opened on Saturday, 5 July 2025, and will run until 18 January 2026, featuring rare memorabilia, vintage designs, and interactive displays.
- A new documentary film, produced by Broaden Films, premiered at the opening event, tracing the origins and global rise of Reebok and its deep roots in Bolton.
- The exhibition and documentary are supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Key figures such as Joe Foster, co-founder of Reebok, and Dave Singleton, former senior vice president at Reebok, contributed interviews and insights.
- The exhibition also highlights the legacy of J.W. Foster & Sons, the pioneering company founded in 1895 by Joseph William Foster, inventor of the spiked running shoe.
- Norman Walsh Footwear, still handcrafting shoes in Bolton, is featured alongside Reebok, showcasing the town’s ongoing contribution to sportswear innovation.
- Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, praised the project for celebrating the town’s industrial and sporting heritage.
- The exhibition includes creative activities, trainer customisation demonstrations, and music at the launch event.
- The project aims to inspire pride in Bolton’s role in global sports and fashion history and is open to both locals and visitors.
Bolton Museum has unveiled a landmark exhibition celebrating the town’s rich legacy in the global sportswear industry, with a special focus on Reebok and Norman Walsh Footwear. The exhibition, which opened on 5 July 2025, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the origins, evolution, and worldwide impact of two of Bolton’s most renowned brands.
What Is the Significance of the New Exhibition at Bolton Museum?
As reported by the official Bolton Council news team, the exhibition marks a major cultural event for the town, shining a spotlight on Bolton’s pivotal role in the history of sportswear. The exhibition is not only a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped Reebok and Norman Walsh Footwear but also a celebration of the town’s enduring influence on global athletic culture1.
The exhibition runs from 5 July 2025 to 18 January 2026 in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery at Bolton Museum, Le Mans Crescent, and is supported by a generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
How Does the Exhibition Explore Reebok’s Bolton Roots?
According to a detailed report by Broaden Films and Bolton Council, the story begins with Joseph William Foster, who founded J.W. Foster & Sons in 1895. Foster’s innovative approach led to the creation of the first spiked running shoes, which were famously worn by the British Olympic Team in 1924—a moment immortalised in the film “Chariots of Fire”.
As reported by the BBC, Foster’s grandsons, Joe and Jeff Foster, continued the family legacy by launching Reebok in the late 1950s. The company grew from a small Bolton factory into one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, pioneering mass production of running shoes and expanding into the American market in the 1980s.
What Role Did Key Figures Play in the Exhibition and Documentary?
As covered by Bolton Labour News, the exhibition features exclusive interviews and contributions from Joe Foster, co-founder of Reebok, who returned to Bolton to share his experiences and insights. Dave Singleton, a former senior vice president at Reebok, also participated, offering a first-hand account of the brand’s expansion and global success.
The documentary, produced by Broaden Films, delves into the company’s evolution, the challenges faced, and the innovative spirit that propelled Reebok onto the world stage. The film also explores the connections between Reebok, Norman Walsh Footwear, and local running clubs such as Bolton United Harriers and Horwich RMI Harriers.
What Statements Have Been Made by Local Leaders and Contributors?
As reported by the Bolton Council press office, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, stated:
“We are immensely proud to launch this extraordinary exhibition at Bolton Museum, celebrating Reebok’s remarkable journey from a small Bolton factory to a global sportswear icon. This project not only honours our town’s pioneering role in revolutionising the running shoe but also showcases the enduring spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Bolton’s heritage. Through this exhibition and the accompanying documentary, we invite everyone to discover the inspiring legacy of J.W. Foster, Reebok, and Norman Walsh Footwear, which continues to shape the world of sport and culture.”
Joe Foster, co-founder of Reebok, told the Bolton Council news team:
“It’s fantastic that Bolton Museum has decided to stage an exhibition to showcase the importance of Bolton in the heritage of the sports industry. Not only does the exhibition explore Reebok’s path to becoming one of the most successful sports brands in the world, but it also includes the local story of Norman Walsh and J.W. Foster & Sons, a company which dates back to 1895. This pioneering company was founded by my grandfather—the inventor of the spiked running shoe—and it’s going to be amazing to see his legacy brought to life in his hometown’s Bolton Museum.”
What Can Visitors Expect at the Exhibition?
As detailed by Bolton Labour News and the official museum website, the exhibition offers:
- Rare memorabilia and vintage Reebok designs
- Interactive displays charting the company’s rise
- Exclusive interviews with key figures behind the brand
- Opportunities for visitors to engage with Bolton’s sporting heritage
- Creative activities, trainer customisation demonstrations, and music at the launch event
The exhibition also highlights the ongoing legacy of Norman Walsh Footwear, which continues to handcraft running shoes in Bolton, maintaining the town’s reputation for quality and innovation in sportswear.
How Has the Project Been Supported and Funded?
As reported by Bolton Council and Bolton Labour News, the Reebok Heritage Project and the accompanying exhibition have been made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This support ensures that the story of Bolton’s contribution to the sportswear industry is preserved and shared with future generations.
What Is the Broader Impact of the Exhibition on Bolton’s Identity?
According to the BBC and Bolton Council, the exhibition is more than a celebration of two brands; it is a testament to Bolton’s industrial and sporting identity. By tracing the journey from a small family business to a global powerhouse, the exhibition aims to inspire pride in the town’s achievements and encourage visitors to explore the rich tapestry of local history.
When and Where Can the Public Visit the Exhibition?
The exhibition is open to the public from 5 July 2025 to 18 January 2026 at Bolton Museum and Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, BL1 1SE. The opening event on 5 July featured tours, creative activities, and the premiere of the new documentary film.
What Has Been the Media and Community Response?
As reported by The Bolton News and BBC Manchester, the exhibition has generated significant interest both locally and nationally. Community members, historians, and former industry insiders have praised the project for its comprehensive approach and its role in preserving Bolton’s sporting legacy.
For further updates, the public is encouraged to follow Bolton Museum and local media outlets on social media and to visit the museum’s official website for more information on upcoming events and exhibitions.
In summary, the new exhibition at Bolton Museum stands as a powerful tribute to the town’s enduring influence on the world of sportswear, offering a rare glimpse into the stories, people, and innovations that put Bolton on the global map.