Bob Basset

Leatherworker

©Leonid Shtaida

Leather pieces for entertainment

Serhii Petrov started Bob Basset studio with his brother Oleh
His pieces are sought after by metal bands and fashionistas
He makes leather masks, bags, clutches and bracelets

It’s quite hard to find an artisan with a more eclectic talent than Serhii Petrov. Working under the professional name Bob Basset, his works have appeared in the pages of Vogue, been worn by members of metal bands, graced the catwalks of high-profile fashion shows, and been praised by the pioneers of steampunk genre. Serhii started Bob Basset studio with his brother Oleh in 1989. He attributes the secret of his success to the fact that he creates objects that didn’t exist before. Indeed, his leather masks have conquered the world with their excellent craftsmanship, creativity, stylish look and the “wow” factor. Bob Basset's works are always about experimentation and surprise, Serhii is a skillful entertainer from the world of crafts and he knows how to take the audience’s breath away.

Interview

©Leonid Shtaida

©Leonid Shtaida

How would you define your craft?: It’s all about the experience. It is necessary to gather experience in the craft but always try new things. The spectator doesn’t care how exactly you made it and which technique you used, he cares primarily about the emotion that the item you created evokes.
Why did you decide to call your studio Bob Bassett?: My studio is a family one, I founded it with my brother Oleh back in 1989 in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. The workshop was located on the outskirts of the city, in a garage. The name came from the dog that Oleh had at a time, a basset hound called Bob.
Why did you chose to be a craftsman?: This kind of work comes naturally to me, it is what I do best out of everything. Another reason is that I really love what I do. But most importantly, I like the fact that my creations inspire others. The realisation that I inspire is what drives me to go further and achieve more.
When did you start leatherworking?: I commenced my journey at the age of 12 in the home workshop. My brother Oleh has always been my primary master. I first considered becoming an artisan after creating a leather armour piece by myself. My advice to young craftspeople is to start your journey, the more you create, the more resources you will have.

Bob Basset is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2000