About Us
Prescott & Mackay offers a unique range of short courses in accessory design from studios in London, England, San Francisco, USA, and Melbourne, Australia. Courses include shoemaking, bag making, belt making, corsetry, millinery and tutu making, and students can choose to have private tuition on all the courses. All P&M tutors are among the best in their fields in the world, and many of them are world-renowned designers themselves.
The concept for Prescott & Mackay was formulated in 1997 by British founder Melissa Needham, member of the British Footwear Association and Royal Society of the Arts. She recognised a rising passion for shoe and accessory design, yet a distinct lack of provision for those who were unable to attend full time study.
The first weekend accessory classes were taught from humble surroundings in East London but quickly developed a strong demand. Media attention and word of mouth soon generated interest from across the country and brought about a relocation to the heart of London's West End.
In 2000 the growing number of visitors to its London classes from overseas, especially the US, led to the founding of P&M shoemaking courses in the United States offering a regular schedule in the Bay Area, California.
In 2003 Prescott & Mackay opened Black Truffle. The two London stores - 4 Broadway Market, London E8 and 52 Warren St, London, W1T (the same location as the teaching studio) feature seasonal collections of shoes and accessories by small contemporary design labels from the UK, Europe and beyond.
Black Truffle won the Best New Shoe Store Award in 2009, and was voted a finalist - Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year in Drapers Footwear Awards 2010.
In 2010 Prescott & Mackay started its first shoemaking course in Melbourne to meet the increasing demand from Australia students.
Course attendees are entitled to 20% discount off full priced products at either of the two Black Truffle boutiques or the on-line store. If you do not receive your discount voucher upon booking please email us here and we will forward one on to you
