Ceramic dogs by Claire Billinglsey
Claire Billingsley
Carved Oak Chest by Alison Hugh Milton
Alison Hugh Milton
Croquet Lawn in Snow_ mixed media
Kathryn Moore
Tryptich frame OPEN
Sara Jane Harper
A Break in the Blizzard by Sean Crawfod
Sean Crawford

Emma Baker-Jones

On this page

Artwork for Emma Baker-Jones

Daisy hound collar and lead

Bespoke bridlework

A collection of British bridle leather belts

How would you describe the work you do and why?: 

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.

For you what does being an artist mean?: 

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.

Describe what you call yourself/your practice?: 

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!

Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching: 

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.

CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice: 

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.

Exhibitions in the last 3 years: 

h.Art 2022 (Kingsland and Bromyard), Leominster 2021
RHS Malvern Spring Festival and Autumn shows 2021 and 22 and many years previous to Covid!

Your gallery outlets/stockists: 

Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen Gallery at The Nest, Little Verzons Farm near Ledbury HR8 2PZ

Search Artists by Surname