Otis Ingrams

Otzi

Leatherworker

©Simon Brown

©Otis Ingrams

©Simon Brown

Full focus on leather

Otis creates sleek furniture pieces
His style is clean and functional, driven by the material itself
Socially and environmentally responsible, he creates objects with integrity

Leather worker Otis Ingrams decided to name his design studio after the famous prehistoric man: Otzi. The 5'300-year-old mummy was found over 30 years ago, wearing leather accessories, partially crafted with techniques which are still in use today. Otis’ craft combines some of these ancient techniques with an extremely contemporary approach. His sleek designs are clean and functional and all his creations are driven by an utmost respect for the leathers that he uses, which are the finest available. A respect that Otis shows not just for the materials, but also for the world around him, both in terms of defence of the environment and in support of the protagonists of what he calls an endangered craft.

Interview

©Simon Brown

©Simon Brown

How did you become a leatherworker?: I have always been fascinated by the beauty of leather. It was an infatuation first, then a hobby, and now – at last – my job. It is a clean craft, quite easy to start, but the key factor is the beauty of the material: you can give it any shape and there is a huge array of finishes to play with.
How would you define your style?: My style is highly informed by the material, which I try to respect as much as possible. I only use the best available leather and I let it do the talking. My designs are paired down and clean, with simple but considered details in order to accentuate the beauty of the leather.
What are the environmental impacts of your craft?: It is a matter of respect for the environment – I use predominantly vegetable tanned leather from as close to home as possible, usually the UK, Italy or Spain. Any timber used in my pieces is responsibly sourced. Manual work is endangered, so we need to support each other. It’s a political stance.
What is for you the added value of handmade?: Industrial products can be perfectly designed and executed but their perfection lacks character. They seem dead to me. Working a material or piece by hand is essential to giving it a soul.

Otis Ingrams is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2014 and he started teaching in 2021