Charles French was a shoe shop in Portland located on Percy Street. Advertised in the Portland Guardian in April 1916. This Melbourne firm of shoe manufacturers was founded in 1854 by Daniel Bedggood. On arrival from England he set up a business in Richmond, Victoria to make working boots. He later began importing English footwear. When branches were opened throughout Australia and business increased, the partnership, which included his three sons, was extended. The company was run by Bedggood's son John from the 1870s until 1911, then by John's son Daniel and later Horace Bedggood, as chairman of directors of Bedggood and Co. The company was deregistered on 21 July 1965.Pair of ladies lace-up boots, foot and heel white kid, top of boots white canvas, metal eyelets, white with brown leather strip as support also brown leather strip around inside top of boots. From Charles French's shop. Shoes made by Bedggood shoes. c) White cardboard box, 'Premier Brand' label on front, lidFront: Inside top of each boot '5E 352' Back: On sole of each boot, manufacturer's stampfemale fashion, womens wear, boots, charles french, portland business