Foundation Jan Pulles

‘De Langstraat’, once the heart of the shoe and leather industry in the Netherlands, has played a major role in history of craftsmanship and industry. From the early years to the severe downturn in the 1960s and 1970s, the leather activity in this region is for many people a remembrance of a time of craftsmanship, innovation and hard work. Unfortunately, not much of that glory remains today. Many iconic companies, that once characterised the region have disappeared, as have their brands.
With the creation of the Jan Pulles Foundation, an important step has been taken to keep this precious history alive. In honour of their legacy, the Foundation has deposited the brand names of several companies with origins in De Langstraat. This initiative ensures that legendary brand names of shoe and leather factories, which have made the region famous worldwide in the past, are preserved for future generations.
Our mission is simple: to preserve values, craftsmanship and history of De Langstraat as an unmistakable symbol of the Dutch shoe and leather industry. We want to honour these companies and their brand names so the strength of De Langstraat continues to live on.

The Jan Pulles Foundation is not only an initiative to preserve brand names, but also a platform where we share stories, memories and knowledge of the region. We also build a visual archive with old photos, documents and materials. Because we believe it is important to pass on this rich history so generations of today and in the future can learn from the past.
All the people of De Langstraat have build for generations on quality and reputation that characterises this region still today. It is our job to keep their work and passion alive, so their contributions to the leather industry are not lost.
The Jan Pulles Foundation protects industrial heritage, and preserves a culture deeply rooted in craftsmanship, innovation and perseverance.