George Cleverley was born on the 10th of August 1898 into a shoemaking family in London. George moved to Colchester in Essex with his parents when he was aged two and spent his childhood selling bootlaces and polish. After finishing his apprenticeship at age 15, he was called in to the Army for World War I and stationed in London before joining an army boot factory in Calais, France.

After the war he joined Tuczec, a high society London shoemaker on Clifford Street, Mayfair. He remained there for 38 years. George left Tuczec in 1958 to start up his own business: G.J. Cleverley of Cork Street, Mayfair, London.

On Cork Street he furthered his reputation to include some of the most illustrious names in society and became known for making the unique Cleverley shape - a graceful, chisel-toed shoe which became signature to his extraordinary craft.

George died in 1991 at nearly 93 years of age and was virtually still working until he passed away.