Joining forces for leather craftsmanship
- Corneliu and Silviu both graduated in design at the Faculty of Textiles and Leather in Iasi
- Corneliu was the first to start making leather objects and his work inspired Silviu to join him in the craft
- In their work, they use archaic motifs, shapes and colours to celebrate Romanian culture
Brothers Corneliu and Silviu Gavrilă set up their workshop FurgaMurga in 2008 when they decided to join forces to preserve and develop leather craftsmanship. Corneliu was first to begin making various leather objects after graduation. In the late 1990s, he embarked on his craft journey, initially collaborating with museums for holiday fairs. In 2008, Silviu joined him after 12 years spent in the textile industry. Combining their skillsets allowed them to enhance their product line with modernised designs. Today, while Corneliu focuses on the initial stages of leather processing, tailoring, dyeing, and sculpting, Silviu excels in sketching and finishing creations. They draw inspiration from traditional techniques and elements across various regions of Romania, supplemented by in-depth research in museum archives. This blend of influences has shaped their products, rooted in folk art yet adapted for contemporary tastes, now celebrated and sold worldwide.
INTERVIEW
The first item we made, which set the course for our direction, began with transforming an old bag into a fresh design named Tescani. We dismantled the older bag, well-worn over the years, and reimagined it based on a sketch by Silviu. By incorporating original components alongside new additions, we crafted a new product that we were delighted with and still love.
Our leather dyeing technique has evolved, adding a distinctive identity to our products. Additionally, all processes—from tailoring and perforating to sewing—are meticulously done by hand. We also employ wood and stone for knife-cutting leather.
We cherish the final object, which becomes a little piece of art through its uniqueness. It is fulfilling to encounter kind individuals who receive and give back a drop of joy. Pouring a piece of ourselves into our work and feeling energised by the process is deeply gratifying.
There are moments like returning to the workshop after a few days away and catching that distinctive leather scent customers often mention when they visit us. Or hearing from a customer who encountered someone else with a FurgaMurga creation in Brussels, for example, sparking an unexpected and beautiful connection between them.
