I live in a small town in southeastern Poland, which is generally lovely, but I've been really struggling with local artisanship recently.
The most pressing problem is finding a good cobbler. I'm not asking for a miracle worker, but I've got several pairs of fine leather-soled shoes, and they naturally need resoled periodically. I would never have dreamt I'd have such problems finding someone who can replace a basic Goodyear or rapid welted shoe.
The longer-range issue is finding a top drawer bespoke tailor. I've accumulated a bit of a list of things I'd like to add to my wardrobe--a new suit or two, a couple of shirts I just where haven't been able to find quite what I'm looking for (anywhere--not a local issue), a classic full-length guard coat, etc.--and I'd prefer to go bespoke so that I can get something that perfectly fits my rather specific style and where I can know exactly what quality of fabrics are being used. I don't mind shelling out a bit for quality materials and craftsmanship on items that I'll get a lot of use out of, but I'm hardly made of money, so I'd like to find someone in whom I can feel confident entrusting such projects to before I do shell out. I'm sure there must be someone in Kraków if nowhere else.
Thanks in advance for any tips!
I don't know much about good cobblers in your neigbourhood, but if you are thinking seriously about bespoke tailoring, you must visit Krakow or Warsaw. In Krakow there is Turbasa'a atelier, which provides world-class bespoke suits, but also with world-class prices (PLN 6000+).