Inside one of the world's biggest, weirdest Vans collections | Huck

Sign up to our newsletter and become a Club Huck member.

Stay informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture

Inside one of the world's biggest, weirdest Vans collections

Rubber and canvas for the soul — Diehard Vans sneakerhead Henry Davies takes Huck on a video tour of his huge, wonderfully weird, collection.

Vans have been skaters’ favourites for decades, but collector Henry Davies explains their trademark customisability has seen them adopted by doctors, podiatrists and even clowns over the years.

Henry’s collection is one of the most extensive in the world, and his store The Other Side of the Pillow in Clapton, East London, is the place to get your hands on some ultra-rare Vans heritage.

But does spending his life surrounded by sneakers make Henry happy?

Check out The Other Side of the Pillow.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you never miss another Huck film.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.


You might like

Scene from Parasol Peak
Culture

The art of paying attention: How Austria’s Alps reward slowing down

Lebensgefühl — With a growing movement of art and music rooted in the area’s mountains, trees and waterfalls, the region is showcasing the importance of the human relationship to nature.

Written by: Sophie Lou Wilson

Activism

Queer resistance & sun-soaked solidarity at the world’s largest trans pride march

Our Future, Our Fight — Over the weekend, over 150,000 people marched at the London Trans+ Pride, with the parade ending at Trafalgar Square for the first time in history.

Written by: Ella Glossop

© 2026 A. B. Bell
Culture

In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation

Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Sport

London’s largest indoor skatepark to be demolished for padel courts

Better Extreme — The Barking skatepark’s fate follows that of similar indoor spaces in recent years, with operators GLL citing falling visitor numbers as the reason behind the decision.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Culture

Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom

Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.

Written by: Zoe Whitfield

Culture

Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York

A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.

Written by: Miss Rosen

You've read articles this month Thanks for reading

Join Club Huck — it's free!

Valued Huck reader, thank you for engaging with our journalism and taking an interest in our dispatches from the sharp edge of culture, sport, music and rebellion.

We want to offer you the chance to join Club Huck [it's free!] where you will receive exclusive newsletters, including personal takes on the state of pop culture and media from columnist Emma Garland, culture recommendations, interviews and dispatches straight to your inbox.

You'll also get priority access to Huck events, merch discounts, and more fun surprises.

Already part of the club? Enter your email above and we'll get you logged in.