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"The most beautiful shop in the world . . ." - that is how Esquire magazine described the wood-paneled splendour of the London premises of John Lobb, Bootmaker. In the shadow of the great gate-tower of St. James's Palace, built by Henry VIII, and echoing to the stamping feet of bear-skinned guardsmen, St. James's Street has been traditionally the home of coffee houses, gentlemen's clubs and elegant outfitters; a mecca for the noble and the fashionable for centuries. In the strongest possible contrast to the factory-made article, a pair of Lobb's handmade shoes are a work of art, unique to their owner. They are created by the close teamwork of a number of specialized craftsmen, all of whom have served long apprenticeships to acquire their particular skills.