NCERT Class 7th: Quality by John Galsworthy

This story is composed of memories of our narrator about a distinguished and artistic shoemaker. 

Although, we are aware that shoemaking is literally a craft, not an art. However, this anecdote tells a different view. If a craftsman is devoted to perfecting the quality of his craft, then surely, why shouldn't we call him an artist?

Galsworthy shares his precious memories of his favourite shoemaker, who lives and breathes in his shop, devoting his life to his art or craft, shoemaking.

The author knew Mr. Gesslar from his childhood. He had a shop in London owned jointly by him and his brother. One can easily recognize his German accent, giving clue to his ancestry.

From the narrator, we know the skill of Mr. Gesslar and his finest quality of shoes. Such was the quality and strength of his shoes that the narrator used to meet him in years as the former hadn't feel the need to visit him. And, after each meeting, he can feel the visible ageing of Mr. Gesslar. The shoemaker had unshakeable belief in his craft, and when once the narrator complained about the creakiness his shoes, he didn't believe that he could err in his area of expertise.

He could easily identify inferior quality shoes. As once happened with narrator when he wore an emergency-driven boots, bought from a firm, the shoemaker instantly recognized its origins, and he, for the first time, talked at length about the insincerity and fraud of corporate shoe firms and how it is difficult for an individual-run business like him to sustain in this tough trade.

Knowing about his topmost quality, the narrator used to buy two or more boots on his single visits to Mr. Hesslar. Once, passing through the neighbourhood, the narrator thought of thanking the old shoemaker for the perfect fitting of his recently-bought shoes. When he went to the shop, a young man met him. He came to know that Mr. Hesslar had died not a long time ago. The young shoemaker told the circumstances of his death: He worked all day, skipping his meals. He had little money as all was spent on his leather and shop's rent. 

The narrator listened sadly and sighed that he was an excellent shoemaker.