London

Chris Murner

Leatherworker | Carouge, Switzerland

Honouring material, technique and art

Chris makes handbags and leather accessories
Her work celebrates the material of leather
She is very passionate about preserving craftwork

Chris Murner is inspired by the abstract art forms of the early 20th century to work with volumes and colours in the leather goods that she crafts today. Passionate about artistic exploration and crafts, she wanted to express herself with leather, all qualities of leather, and to share her knowledge of this material. The importance of transmission is the other facet of Chris' craftsmanship: mother of two who are themselves craftspeople, Chris is eager to encourage leatherwork and craftsmanship in general. If the fast fashion industry can sometimes lead us to forget what good material is, Chris is there to remind us: a good piece of leather honours the animal, is extremely robust and will last you a lifetime.

Interview

Do you have a favourite type of creation?: The handbag is my medium of work and expression because it allows technical and aesthetic performances. It is my go-to in visual communication. I went in a direction where I could tell stories through my creations, and the handbag allows me to do that.
What is important to you as a leatherworker?: As a leatherworker, I want to assert that leather was initially a matter of closing the loop of the animal's life by using the skin in a meaningful way. There is a real respect for this material that is very solid, and it is crucial to link the material and the craft.
Are you also very passionate about teaching your craft?: Transmission is very important, it is crucial that knowledge continues to be transmitted. I am very involved in educational development issues, even though they are complicated matters that involve many political areas.
What is your experience of teaching others?: I have trained many apprentices who have now opened their own workshops. I am also the president of the jury of the Geneva Crafts Prize: an association in Geneva that rewards each year a craft in order to highlight it, and to make it known to the public.

Chris Murner is a master artisan: she began her career in 1977 and she started teaching in 1983