Leatherwork and Tanning

By Lynn Huggins-Cooper

Pen & Sword, 105 pages, £12.99 Leatherwork and Tanning is an illuminating look into heritage industries that go back to prehistoric times. Starting with an analysis of the industry today and the risks facing it, the book goes into great detail about how leatherworking and tanning has evolved through different periods in history.

As well as exploring the lives and conditions of leatherworkers and tanners through the ages, you’re also given a glimpse into the shopping habits of ordinary people who purchased goods made by leather-craft artisans.

Interviews with modern crafters are also included, which is especially handy if you’d like to have a go yourself, with hints and tips on how to start as well as links to training courses and suppliers. There are some black-and-white images of various tanning machines through the ages as well as modern crafters with their wares – many of the items were made for film and TV shows, and are fascinating to look at.

If you want to understand the history behind these ancient crafts, then this book is highly recommended as well as extremely accessible – especially if, like me, you have no prior knowledge of the trades. If any of your ancestors were involved in leatherwork or tanning, then this book will give you a great glimpse into their day-to-day life.

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