Leather Stamping Workshops
Come along and make your own unique genuine leather key fob,,wristband or bookmark – personalise with your initials and customise using a selection of pattern and picture stamps.

Tickets are available to buy from Northampton Museum & Art Gallery in person or tel 01604 837397
They can also be booked at either Museum and paid for on the day.
Leather Stamping Workshops £2.50 each
11th May & 8th June 2pm – 4pm
Abington Park Museum
Workshops for groups such as Scouts, Girl Guides, Schools can be arranged.

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Many of the more enlightening aspects of running the Museum of Leathercraft are the delight and surprise at making new discoveries within the Collection, and working with inspiring and dedicated people who can help shape and change events to meet the demands of future generations.

Trustees see the future of the Museum more as a catalyst to work within the fashion and art sectors, alongside proposals to re-brand the Museum as the “Waterer Spiers Leather Collection.” This should position the collection in a more contemporary light, and open up further opportunities for shared exhibitions in a wider market sphere.

Alongside this, newly appointed volunteers have been working hard on identifying and cataloguing our huge archive store, now located at Abington Park Museum. This will be a wide and varied source of information not only to enhance local industrial history, but also to raise national interest on social and technical leather aspects.

Last year 38,000 members of the public visited the Museum in Abington Park, an increase of around 10% over previous years. New conservation projects included the 16th Century Porter’s Chair, undertaken by the Leather Conservation Centre (LCC), now proudly displayed in the entrance hall.

In 2011 specialist Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) consultants were appointed to appraise the viability of the plans to create a ”Leather in Life” centre at the “art deco” Pearce site. As a result it was decided that there was little viability for such a location, but the consultants continue to work with us at seeking new projects that may attract funding from the HLF. The Trustees continue to seek new sources of funding from other partners and stakeholders.

Trustees were delighted to welcome representatives from the Court and Livery of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers in October 2011, and the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers in 2013 as part of a visit to Northampton to update members of the activities of the Museum, the Leather Conservation Centre, and the University of Northampton.

Further grant offers have been made by the Saddlers’ Company to help extend our conservation activities through the LCC, and work will soon commence on an important 16th Century decorative leather screen. A pair of candlesticks has also been conserved as an on-going programme of work.

We are also very grateful to the Leathersellers Company for their continuous support

Trustees now look forward to consolidating their location in Abington, enlivening the displays, securing funding for the next 3 to 4 years, developing the events and exhibitions programme, and promoting the archive collections.

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SADDLER’S HALL
no. ref. Candle Lantern
ref no: 132.50 Bucket Hatcase
no. ref. Leather Jug with handle
ref no: D.25. 1966.83 Wine Bottle
ref no: 314.53 Candle Lantern
ref no: 76.48 Bottle Case
no. ref. Leather Pig
ref no: D.32 Leather Fire Bucket
no. ref Decorative Harness Piece
ref no: 231. Slipper Stirrup
ref no:627.57 Drinks Bottle Case1
ref no: 014.63 Fire Bucket no. ref Spurs18 March 2013

BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY, WOLVERHAMPTON
Ref no: 1686.69 Somerset Saddle

CLARK’S SHOE MUSEUM
ref no: 1260.62 Cutlan Lasting Machine, circa 1883

FIRE SERVICE NATIONAL MUSEUM TRUST (F.S.N.M.T)
no. ref. One large model of a white horse for display

HAM HOUSE
ref no: 229.51b Sheepskin Cover
ref no: 229.51c Sheepskin Cover
ref no: 1772.71.1 Sheepskin Cover
ref no:1772.71.2 Sheepskin Cover

MUSEUM OF LONDON
Ref no: 12.47 Small Coffer of wood covered with shaved hair
ref no: 516.56 Small Casket with incised decoration

SADDLER’S COMPANY
ref no: 551.57 Prince Albert Hunting Saddle
ref no: 552.57 Queen Alexandra’s Side Saddle

WALSALL LEATHER CENTRE
Ref no: 1505.67 Side Facing Saddle

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Limerick Gloves – a celebrated style of glove that became popular throughout England and Ireland during the late 18th, early 19th century. Commonly referred to as ‘chicken-skins’, the gloves were renowned for their exquisite texture. They were made from a thin strong leather derived from the skin of unborn calves and sold encased in a walnut shell.

By the early 19th century, Limerick gloves became a fashionable item, and, like French kid gloves, were admired for the superior quality of the leather and craftsmanship. They were generally produced  in various shades of cream and yellow and were typically worn during the day.

Although thought to have originated in Co. Limerick Ireland, the gloves were later manufactured in other cities throughout both Ireland and England. They continued to be produced on a very small scale until around the middle of the 19th century, however, by that time, pairs of  ’original’ Limerick gloves became increasingly hard to find. Various examples of these gloves can now be found within a number of museums and private collections across the UK and Ireland.

Thanks to Liza Foley for the text    ‘Liza Foley, PhD candidate – NCAD’.
In the early part of the 19th century Limerick was famed for gloves of pale yellow leather so thin that a pair could be folded up and placed inside a walnut shell – a dainty gift for a one’s ladylove. These are usually called ‘chicken skin’ gloves, which is, perhaps, a deliberate misnomer designed to hide the disagreeable fact that they were actually made from the skins of unborn calves. The hand-stitching is usually about thirty-two stitches to the inch and one pities the women and girls who scraped meager living from such exacting work.
Leather Craftsmanship J.W. Waterer

 
[...] Limerick gloves were “a celebrated style of glove that became popular throughout England and Ireland during the late 18th, early 19th century. Commonly referred to as ‘chicken-skins’, the gloves were renowned for their exquisite texture. They were made from a thin strong leather derived from the skin of unborn calves and sold encased in a walnut shell.” Limerick glove. Image @The Museum of Leathercraft. [...]
A Regency Ball Gown 200 Years Ago: April, 1812 « Jane Austen’s World

[...] Despite their name, they weren’t entirely composed of chicken skin—the inherently nubbled flesh being an understandable drawback—but instead were a combination of unborn calf-skin for smoothness and chicken skin for whiteness. (How did chicken skin contribute to whiteness? No idea). Due to their place of manufacture, the gloves gained the nickname “limericks” and a major selling point was the fact their delicacy afforded them a novel ability. They folded easily inside a walnut shell. [...]
lifetakeslemons.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/18th-cen…
76.74.248.249

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Born: 23 February 1633(1633-02-23) London, England

Died: 26 May 1703(1703-05-26) (aged 70) Clapham, England

Resting place: St Olave’s, London, England

Education: Huntingdon Grammar School, St Paul’s School and Cambridge University

Occupation: Naval Administrator started off as Clerk of the Acts working his way up to Chief Secretary to the Admiralty and Tory Member of Parliament for Castle Rising and Harwich.

Known for: Diary

Political party: Tory

Board member of: President of the Royal Society, Master of Trinity House, Freeman of the City of London, Freeman of Portsmouth, Treasurer of the Tangier Committee

Religion: Anglican

Spouse: Elisabeth Pepys (née de St Michel)
 
(Wikipedia)

A wallet seems to have been a species of travelling bag for carrying clothing and food – equivalent to what in medieval times were called ‘cloth sacks’ and /gardeviaunces’. To us the term usually indicates a flat, leather pocket case for papers, tickets and so on, although sometimes the flat, envelope-type, underarm document case is so styled. The pocket wallet goes back at least to the 17th century.
Leather Craftsmanship J.W. Waterer

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Waterer Spiers collection April 2001

‘Georgina Goodman’ the brand has become synonymous with uncompromising style, clarity of vision and discreet originality. Georgina Goodman the designer embodies that philosophy, which has led to her being twice nominated ‘Accessory Designer of the Year’ by the British Fashion Council, and has seen her establish long standing design collaborations and consultancies with major fashion houses.

An early career in fashion journalism, in both Television and in print, demonstrated Georgina’s unique eye for style. Ultimately, wanting a further challenge, she enrolled on the BA in Footwear Design at the world renowned Cordwainer’s College in London, graduating with a first class degree. She went on to complete her Masters degree in Womenswear/Footwear at the prestigious Royal College of Art.

In 2002 the first Georgina Goodman boutique in Mayfair opened, offering a bespoke Couture service, followed by seasonal collections, manufactured in Italy and with it the birth of the Georgina Goodman brand. The shop soon became a ‘must visit’ destination for discerning clients and style icons, drawn by the discreet luxury, stylish inventiveness and attention to detail Georgina has become known for. Georgina’s designs also attracted the attention, and won the acclaim, of the international fashion media. Her unstinting creativity and desire to explore her chosen craft through the prism of other art forms has also led to shared projects with artists and filmmakers.

The Georgina Goodman flagship store at 44 Old Bond Street opened in 2008 making her one of a handful of independent designers on London’s most prestigious street. Now her distinctive hand-painted stripes and the embossed words ‘Made in Love’ etched into the sole of each shoe can be found on red carpets and in the finest high fashion retailers across the world.

Recently Georgina has been made a member of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, an honour only rarely awarded to a woman.  This and all her other achievements acknowledge not only her uncommon talent but her clarity of purpose and determination in creating ‘amazing shoes for amazing women.’

Georgina’s philosophy has always been straightforward; Be Consistent, Be Clear, Be Who We Really Are and most importantly; Be In Love.  This philosophy is expressed in everything Georgina Goodman.

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Waterer Spiers Collection 2011

WATERER SPIERS COLLECTION 2011

Award winning jeweller, Tania Clarke Hall set up her business nearly three years ago immediately after graduating with a first from Middlesex University’s BA Jewellery course and was selected to show at Galerie Marzee’s International Graduation Show which exhibits the work of top jewellery graduates from across Europe.

Within a year she had picked up a commendation award from the Goldsmith’s Craft & Design Council Award, reflecting both the quality of her design and craftsmanship.  Success followed swiftly with her work being sold in the V&A Shop, Tate Modern and Kabiri.  In March 2010, her ‘Festival’ collection, specially commissioned by Southbank Centre was launched.

Tania challenges the way in which leather is used within jewellery.  She goes beyond the predictable; burning, colouring, slashing and moulding the cut edge to create graphic, sculptural pieces.

Her love of architecture, Japanese design and a degree in chemistry and archaeology have fuelled her passion for and provided her with a fresh, intelligent perspective on jewellery design.

Working from her studio close to Hatton Garden’s historic jewellery quarter, she is recognised for her playful, experimental approach and bold, elegant, highly wearable pieces.

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WATERER SPIERS COLLECTION 2011

Amma Gyan first trained as a ladies wear designer and pattern cutter at the London Institute, which lead to the launch of her own label of women’s clothing. This allowed her to explore different materials and mediums which eventually steered her to a love of leather.

Taking this desire for the feel and diversity of leather, her aim became one of combining the two things she loved, fashion and craft, specialising in bags with the intention of developing an artistic, craft orientated fashion label.

Although the bag industry offered a commercial outlet for her creativity Amma sort a means of expressing her artistic desires in a way that was not constrained by practical limitations. With the desire to still work with leather Amma discovered and learnt the art of moulding leather. “When I work with naturally tanned leather I’m reminded of the form that this once was and how I’m grateful that it allows me to create beautiful and challenging objects.  My current collection ‘Ivy’ has been developed and constructed to illustrate freedom and movement, something that we’re all entitled to, often taken for granted, and occasionally not appreciated.”

Amma Gyan awarded Silver medal ‘Craft & Design’ Selected Awards 2011  at http://www.craftanddesign.net/awards/selected/2011/winners/

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Tanya Igic

WATERER SPIERS COLLECTION 2011

Tanya Igic is a contemporary jewellery designer originally from Serbia. After completing a degree in Economics, moving to the UK gave Tanya opportunity to develop what was a part-time business into a full-time career in jewellery with the emphasis on innovative and creative design. Tanya is a leather jeweller with a very unique and individual technique.

Working with the finest quality delicate leather in many beautiful shades and influenced by floral, natural or abstract motifs, Tanya produces wide range of elegant necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches as well as bridal accessories. Her technique is unusual and innovative and involves a complex design and manufacture process.

After selecting the best leather skin and colour, Tanya cuts and seals together up to eleven layers to form the required shape. When dry the layered shape is cut into thin slices. The softness of the leather allows Tanya to stretch these slices into shapes which are then bonded together. Silver wires and beads are then added as embellishments. Each piece is extremely labour intensive but the effect is truly exquisite. This exciting and innovative work is produced in bright, natural, pastel colour.

Tanya exhibits at  major events, shows and galleries across the country and sells via design-led retail outlets as well as established galleries.

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Kate Sheridan

WATERER SPIERS COLLECTION 2011

Designer Kate Sheridan graduated with honours from the world-renowned CORDWAINERS College in 1997. She began earning her fashion-industry stripes as press-officer for ‘Patrick Cox’. Following that Kate went on to work with ‘Johnny Moke’ where she originated the concept for Johnny’s first-ever handmade jewellery collection, under the label ‘Moke Nowe’ featuring leather, ponyskin and antique glass beads. That collection attracted a great deal of high-profile press all over the world and was snapped up by several exclusive fashion retailers in Japan.  Kate then went on to collaborate on collections for lingerie and leisurewear label ‘Shopgirl’ in London, creating top-selling ranges as diverse as ‘Babycham’ jewellery and a limited-edition line of trainers for Dunlop.
Growing in confidence and inspired by these design collaborations, Kate decided the time was right to turn her unique vision into something solid which could grow with her experience and talent. So, in 2001 her friend Helen Minns a graduate in textile design from St Martins and she launched their label ‘Sheridan + Minns’ at London’s Fashion Week to rave reviews. ‘Sheridan + Minns’ went on to retail in cutting-edge boutiques in England, all over Europe and in the Far East and garnered copious and highly favourable coverage from fashion and lifestyle publications worldwide.
Spring/Summer 2004 saw ‘Sheridan + Minns’ streamlined into ‘Kate Sheridan’ with extremely positive results. Since that debut, ‘Kate Sheridan’ the label has matured and developed into Kate’s instantly recognisable brand of offbeat, poppy and unique bags and accessories. Her twice-yearly collections continue to gain interest from fashion press and buyers alike. In the past six months, Kate has been asked to design a range of brand-new and exclusive fabric prints for super-hip chain ‘Urban Outfitters’ which have been very well received. She has also created her own diffusion line for England’s best-loved and brightest fashion retailer ‘TopShop’ which has been selling like the proverbial hot cakes!
The ‘Kate Sheridan’ brand continues to go from strength to strength in terms of sales and solidifying its identity and profile and is now available from stockists the world over including: ‘Broderna Erikssons Dammode’ in Sweden, ‘Order & Progress’ in Australia, ‘Fenwick’, ‘Graham & Green’,’ Labour of Love’ and, of course, ‘Urban Outfitters’ and ‘TopShop’ in London.

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