Artwork for Emma Baker-Jones
A collection of British bridle leather belts
Daisy padded hound collar and matching lead
Traditional decorated leather cattle show halters
Havana padded headcollar with rolled throat
Details
I have been making a wide variety of leathergoods for over 30 years now, but my basic principles remain the same. Everything I produce is entirely handmade from start to finish, using British materials, which is really important to me. I work exclusively in English bridle leathers to produce individually handmade durable and functional leathergoods. All of my leather is supplied by the Sedgwicks tannery in Walsall, which has full British traceability and is of the most superb quality. The majority of the brassware I use is again the very highest quality, produced at the Abbey foundry in Walsall.
I don't really consider myself an artist, I'm a maker, a craftsperson. But whatever you call it it's about the transformation of raw materials, whatever they are, into something beautiful and useful. It's very satisfying! I enjoy starting with a large back or butt of bridle leather and seeing the gradual transformation into the finished product, whether it be a bespoke bridle or a simple smart belt.
Originally trained as a saddler and bridlemaker, though the range of my work is much more diverse now, so I am a Leatherworker which covers everything!
I work mainly alone in a fairly small workshop, based at my home. Because of the current lack of space, it's difficult to offer any courses but I do usually try to do some demonstrating when possible at the shows that I exhibit at.
After A levels, I trained with a master saddler and gained my City and Guilds qualifications in Saddlery and Bridle making.
I have been a member of the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen for many years.
I have exhibited widely for many years and also been lucky enough to have worked on producing leather items for the film industry too.
h.Art 2022 (Kingsland and Bromyard), Leominster 2021
RHS Malvern Spring Festival and Autumn shows 2021 and 22 and many years previous to Covid!
RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2023
None, I prefer to sell direct to customers.
