Artwork for Emma Baker-Jones
Daisy hound collar and lead
Bespoke bridlework
A collection of British bridle leather belts
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 mainly British materials, which is really important to me. All of my leather is supplied by the Sedgwicks tannery in Walsall, 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 be, 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 Bridlemaking.
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!
Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen Gallery at The Nest, Little Verzons Farm near Ledbury HR8 2PZ
