The new website of the Museum of Leather Craft, Northampton (UK)

The Museum of Leather Craft (IMOLC), Northampton (UK)
http://www.imolc.com/

Textes sur cuir et peau dans l'oeuvre L'alun de Méditerranée (2005)

The book L’alun de Méditerranée, edited by Philippe Borgard, Jean-Pierre Brun and Maurice Picon, published in 2005 by the Centre Jean Bérard, was recently made available on line through OpenEdition Books. Some of the texts describe the use of alum to preserve animal skins (tawing, mégissage, hongroyage, concia). The authors and the titles are as follows:

- Cheryl Porter,
“The use of Alum in the preparation of tawed skin for book covers in the 11th – 15th centuries: advantages and disadvantages for the book structure”, pp. 293–298.
URL

- Claire Chahine,
“L’utilisation de l’alun dans la transformation de la peau en cuir”, pp. 299–309.
URL

- Eva Halasz Csiba,
"Le cuir de Hongrie en France entre les XIVe et XVIIIe siècles: Histoire et problématique d’un transfert technique basé sur l’usage de l’alun", pp. 311-322.
URL

- Fulvia Lo Schiavo,
"La concia delle pelli nella Sardegna nuragica: un problema aperto", pp. 343-352.
URL
 

Experiments in Cuir Bouilli by Levin (2014)

Samuel James Levin, Experiments in Cuir Bouilli: Practical Trials of Medieval Leathercraft,  BA Thesis on Archaeology, Wesleyan University, 2014.

URL / PDF

Abstract:

This thesis pursues an experimental investigation of cuir bouilli, a particular form of hardened leather used as armor in medieval Europe. In this exploration, I have produced a sample group of 30 distinct varieties of cuir bouilli. These samples represent the most commonly theorized and scientifically grounded production methods of this historic medium. Using a series of armor specific tests, broadly encapsulating the abuse of arrow fire, blunt force trauma, and slashing, I have measured the performance of each cuir bouilli sample. The data gathered from these tests can be used to infer physical properties about each sample, revealing the essential effects of each hardening method. Moreover, these tests indicate how cuir bouilli might have functioned in actual armor use. They demonstrate strengths and weaknesses of each variety, offering reasons for their eventual abandonment in certain contexts and the roles they might have continued to play in others.

Cordobanes y guadamecies por Ferrandis Torres (1955)

José Ferrandis Torres, Cordobanes y guadamecies: catálogo ilustrado de la exposición, Madrid, Palacio de la Biblioteca y Museos Nacionales (1955).

URL  / PDF

A comparative study on surface treatments in conservation of dry leather, with focus on silicone oil by Ludwick (2012)

Ludwick, Lena, A comparative study on surface treatments in conservation of dry leather, with focus on silicone oil, BA/Sc thesis, Goteborg, Göteborgs Universitet, 2012

PDF

Abstract:

In the museums, private collections and historical houses, there is a wealth of leather artifacts, in various need of conservation. The treatment options, however, are few, and all with their drawbacks. This thesis aims to evaluate silicone oil as a surface treatment for dry leather, in comparison to two other treatments, Klucel G and British Museum leather dressing (BML). The study shows that the silicone oil treatment yields satisfactory results, and the literature and previous studies have indicated superior long term characteristics. Klucel G gave less than satisfactory results, but has better long term characteristics than the BML, though the BML also had satisfactory direct results. The chemical composition, tanning and deterioration of leather are also described The properties and chemical composition of the silicone oil treatment are reviewed and discussed. The treatment consists of three components: the silicone oil, a cross-linker and a catalyst. They create an internal scaffolding in the cell wall, stabilizing the cellular structure. The biggest drawback of the silicone oil treatment is that it is non-reversible, and that has to be factored in to any decision made to conserve an object. The ethical implications are discussed, and the decision whether or not to use the silicone oil treatment should be done on a case-to-case basis, weighing in all factors.

"An easy-to-build museum saddle mount" by Shevchuk (2009)

Shevchuk, Paul; "An easy-to-build museum saddle mount", Conserve O Grams 9/2 (2009)
PDF

From the introduction:

This Conserve O Gram provides guidance on how to build a mount to support and store a large saddle with component parts (straps, stirrups) in the way it was intended to be used. This mount is strong, light-weight, and easy to move or transport, and uses cabinet space efficiently.

Leather and leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York by Mould et al (2003)

Mould, Q.; Carlisle, I.; Cameron, E.; Leather and leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York, Vol.17: Small Finds, Fasc.16: Craft, Industry and Everyday Life, The Archaeology of York (2003)
PDF

From the summary:

This volume, the collaborative work of a number of authors, presents the surviving evidence for the manufacture and the use of leather artefacts at York during the Anglo-Scandinavian and medieval periods. It is based around the internationally important group of Anglo-Scandinavian leatherwork from 16-22 Coppergate, along with smaller amount od medieval material recovered from the site, supplemented by groups recovered from the Coppergate watching brief, excavations at 22 Piccadilly, and at the site of the Foundry and College of Vicars Choral at Bedern. Over 5000 items of leather dating from the 9th–15th century from Coppergate and other sites in the city are represented, some 550 of which have been fully catalogued in this fascicule. The close dating of the deposits belonging to the earlier years of occupation at Coppergate makes the 9th- to 11th-century material of particular significance.

Man made mobile: Early saddles of Western North America by Ahlborn (1980)

Ahlborn, Richard E.; Man made mobile: Early saddles of Western North America, Smithsonian Studies in History and Technology 39, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington (1980)

PDF

Abstract:

This study of early forms of saddles in Western North America features four distinct discussions: major horizons (wide-spread appearances of historical prototypes) within the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries; Mexican origins of form and associated activities; development among U.S. riders before the professional cowboy era (post-Civil War); and development of equestrian equipment among the Plains Indians collateral to the emergence of the U.S. western stock saddle. The four essays are followed by an illustrated catalogue of the equestrian artifacts drawn from the Smithsonian Institution’s holdings and from other important collections for an exhibition at the Renwick Gallery, 1974-1976. There is also a glossary of Spanish and English equestrian terms used in this study. It is projected that this presentation of early saddle forms with many well-documented illustrations and descriptions will provide both a reference source and also the inspiration for additional typological and social studies.

The Museum of Leathercraft, Northampton (UK)

The Museum of Leathercraft, Northampton

http://www.museumofleathercraft.org/ 

The Museum of Leathercraft is internationally acknowledged as having one of the finest collections of leather artifacts in the world. Founded in 1946 by John Waterer and Claude Spiers, the museum now has over 5000 leather objects, examples of ingenuity, creativity and superb craftsmanship that serve to show the importance of leather as a raw material across the centuries.

(Text from the website)

Saddlery by Hasluck (1904)

Hasluck, Paul N.; Saddlery, D. McKay, Philadelphia (1904)

URL (Internet Archive)

Table of contents:

I. Gentleman's Riding Saddle

II. Panel for Gentleman's Saddle

III. Ladies' Side Saddles
IV. Children's Saddles or Pilches

V. Saddle Cruppers, Breastplates, and other Accessories

VI. Riding Bridles

VII. Breaking-down Tackle

VIII. Head Collars

IX. Horse Clothing

X. Knee-caps and Miscellaneous Articles

XI. Repairing Harness and Saddlery

Saddle, 15th century, The Met Museum of Art

"Saddle [Tibetan] (2002.225)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tbar/ho_2002.225.htm (August 2007)

"A monta 'à brida´e 'à jineta' nas planícies da Península Ibérica - selas, arreios e protecção do cavaleiro cristão e muçulmano" por Pereira (2008)

Pereira, Franklin; "A monta 'à brida´e 'à jineta' nas planícies da Península Ibérica - selas, arreios e protecção do cavaleiro cristão e muçulmano", Mirabilia 8 (2008) 108-135
URL

Resumo:

A Península Ibérica foi o palco de confrontação das duas escolas hípicas mais salientes da época medieval: a monta à jineta, introduzida no al-Andalus a partir da vinda de berberes para o exército califal, e a monta à brida, identificada com o exército cristão nortenho. Cada tipo de monta exige diferentes apetrechos para o cavalo, e diferentes protecções para o cavaleiro, implicando também diferentes tácticas de combate. Com a expulsão do domínio islâmico e a posterior introdução de armas de fogo, a monta à jineta passou a estar confinado ao toureio a cavalo e aos jogos da alta escola de equitação. O tipo de sela portuguesa tradicional parece decorrer da sela à jineta; a sua decoração de cravos metálicos está ligada às marcas obrigatórias nos jaezes califais do século X. A documentação do ofício da centuria de quinhentos mostra prolongamentos ainda nos dias de hoje.

Descriptions des arts et métiers du cuir (1775)

Bertrand, J.-E. (ed.); Descriptions des arts et métiers: Contenant l'art du tanneur, du chamoiseur, du mégissier, du corroyeur, du parcheminier, de l'hongroyeur, du maroquinier, de travailler les cuirs dorés & argentés, du cordonnier, du paumier-raquetier & de la paume, Tome III, Nouvelle Edition, Société Typographique, Neuchâtel (1775)

URL (Google Books)

Para além da digitalização do Google existe também a do Conservatoire numérique des Arts et Métiers (CNAM) disponível em http://cnum.cnam.fr/fSYN/4KY58.3.html

Making a saddle (1978)

Making a saddle, Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas, London (1978)

• Part 1 (URL)
• Part 2 (URL)

This book sets out to show in simple language and photographic illustration, methods employed in making a saddle - methods which apart from the use of some synthetic materials have remained unchanged for generations.

Harness making by Hasluck (1904)

Hasluck, P. N.; Harness making, Cassel, London (1904)
InternetArchive

Table of contents:
1. Harness-maker's tools
2. Harness-maker's materials
3. Strap making and stitching
4. Looping
5. Cart harness
6. Cart collars
7. Cart saddles, reins
8. Fore gear and leader harness
9. Plough harness
10. Bits, spurs, stirrups and harness furniture
11. Van and cab harness

Harness repairing by Roehl (1921)

Roehl, L.M.; Harness repairing, The Bruce publishing company, Milwaukee (1921)
URL (Internet Archive)

Table of contents:

1. Harness Repairing
2. Making a Harness Thread
3. Making a Stitched Splice
4. Attaching a Buckle with a Conway Loop
5. Attaching a Buckle with Rivets and the Riveting Machine
6. Replacing a Hame Clip on a Tug
7. Repairing a Trace or Trace and Tug with Hame Clips and Link
8. Replacing a Broken Hame Staple
9. Use of Buckle Shields
10. Repairing the End of a Trace with a Wrot Concord Clip
11. Attaching Heel Chain to Trace with a Hame Clip
12. Repairing a Trace and Tug with a Trace Square and Two Wrot Concord Clips’
13. Splicing a Trace with a Trace Splicer or a Metal Plate
14. Repairing Bottom End of Hame
15. Harness Stitching Clamp to be Used with Metal Vise on Workbench
16. Harness Stitching Clamp to be Used with Farm Shop Workbench Vise
17. Stitching Clamp and Farm Workbench
18. Farm Shop Workbench
19. Stitching Horse
20. Saw Horse Stitching Clamp
21. Cleaning and Oiling a Harness
22. Harness Repair Tools and Harness Repair Parts

Handbook for saddle and harness makers (1932)

Handbook for saddle and harness makers, textile refitters and coach-trimmers and upholsterers, McCarron, Bird & Co, Melbourne (1932, amended 1941)

Table of contents:
1. Saddlery.
2. Harness.
3. Packsaddlery.
4. Miscellaneous articles.
5. Repairs generally.
6. Fitting of harness and saddlery.
7. Care and preservation of saddlery.
8. Saddlers' materials, leathers and skins.
9. Notes for the guidance of textile refitters.
10. Notes for the guidance of coach trimmers and upholsterers.

Available from:http://www.militaryhorse.org/upsaddle/manuals.htm