This is the story of Barry Knight one of the few remaining tanners in the UK. Situated in the centre of Bristol, within the seemingly untouched grounds, lies an old Tannery. Thomas Ware & Sons dates back to the 1840’s, the beginning of the Victorian era, yet their technique and craftsmanship remains unchanged.
This short film, produced by Falcon Productions, is part of an ongoing series, Tales of Forgotten Crafts, which includes crafting clogs and perfecting guitars.
I was struck by Barry’s perspective as a traditional craftsman working in a fast-moving modern world and how one could easily walk by their tannery without a clue of what is going on inside. It reminds me that there is a wealth of leathercrafting resources out there, sometimes hidden in plain sight.
Beautifully filmed story. I was recently contacted by a small tannery that I hadn’t heard of before, even after hours scouring the internet looking for new suppliers for my business. It is a shame that there are so many resources that are, as you stated, hidden in plain sight. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for your support and insight, Mike. We totally agree!
No mention of what they have done over the years to meet environmental concerns. I believe this is one of the major reasons there are so few tanners left in the United States and they have gone to places with looser environmental restrictions like Mexico, South America and India.
It’s an interesting point, George. I’d be curious to know more about that. Thanks for the thought.
I wonder what these old great tanneries could do to improve their process to address environmental concerns. I am sure it would add to the cost of the product but this is a fact of modern life and I believe enough of a market exists for environmentally conscious products that they would be ok in the end.
We completely agree. We’re in definitely in alignment with this vision and do our best to support tanneries who are using environmentally friendly practices. Many of our hides come from tanneries that operate under very strict environmental regulation.
El trabajo es admirable, todo mi respeto, felicidades!
Muchas gracias, Maite! Estamos felices de que hayas disfrutado del post!
Hard work makes a great product. The production of many great long lasting goods comes with honest hard work with simplicity of care and noblest. Compare an antique good to today’s good. The craft should be passed by generations or at least taught to those that want to continue the craft. Great video and please pass the art to those that want to learn and continue this beautiful art!
I couldn’t agree more, Lloyd! Thanks so much for your input.
I grew up in what was the Leather city of the world. During the peak of production near the end of WWII the shop my father was working in produced 10,000 dozen per day. That was the largest of many shops in the area but now they are all gone.
Hi Zorba! Thanks for reading and for taking a moment to reply. What city did you grow up in and what were they producing in the shop where your father worked?
Beautiful story and well-crafted video! As a young man in the 70s I was privileged to tour Gallun Tannery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tony Gallun was a good friend/employer of a mutual friend, Earl. Anyway, they were the last full hide calfskin tannery in the USA at the time. Like your gorgeously vintage and traditional tannery, Gallun Tannery was a sight to behold [and smell]! Most of us admire companies that embrace newer ways to do things faster and better. However, when quality suffers, then stick with the “recipe” that got you “here”. So, touché for you. I would be honored to cut into, shape and work with MY hands what you’re are producing with YOUR hands.
Thank You for Letting us in….
Gordy Fritch MuseLeatherCraft
Great story and insight, Gordy! Thank you.
“Hides tanned for 1 year!” Wow, how incredible is it to be a part of community that is so tied to traditional crafts people working with their hands in saddlery, shoemaking, leatherwork, etc. In the fast past modern world it is very alluring / romantic to be using old tools, working with your hands. I’m a lost for words to explain the feeling but you get the picture.
P.s. every tannery I’ve seen could most definitely double up as body stashing operation. I’m sure the business is inherently messy with tannins, pits, and raw material. Just find it funny how they always look like something out of a post apocalyptic movie.
Laughing…tanneries do often look like they belong in a post-apocalyptic world. The process is inherently messy, but I guess that’s part of the fun! Thanks again for chiming in.
What outlets in the U.S. are your leathers available?
All of our tools, leather and other materials are sold directly via our website at fineleatherworking.com/store. Hope that helps!