Garvan de Bruir

Leatherworker

©Kamil Krawczak

©Peter Rowen

©Cormac Dunne

Bags designed to last generations

Garvan studied furniture design before turning to bags
He enjoys the simplicity of pared back construction
He believes if you treat the material faithfully it will reward you

Garvan de Bruir works with equestrian, bridal leather to create sleek accessories that showcase the beauty of the material but also utilise its strength and longevity, qualities he feels can often be overlooked due to leather’s reputation as a luxury product. When designing his bags, the structure and construction methods dictate the aesthetics – a very different process to ‘styling’ or ‘decorating’ an existing bag. Garvan uses simple shapes, honest construction details and robust stitching to achieve this timeless style. In today’s throwaway society these well made and sophisticated works advocate for buying fewer but better and more sustainable products.

Interview

©Peter Rowen

©Ruth Maria

How is leather connected to where you live and work?: The local equestrian heritage has had a large bearing on my choice of material. One of the crafts of the equestrian industry is bridle making. As a furniture maker, I like this more structural appreciation of leather. Kildare is the 'thoroughbred county’ and we are surrounded by horse breeders and trainers.
What techniques do you use?: To achieve the forms I need, I wrap or stretch leather. ‘Cuir bouilli' or wet forming leather over a mould creates seamless surfaces. For me, a clean single surface is more desirable and worth the more challenging process to achieve it.
How does working with an animal product influence you?: The leather hides that I use carry markings or patinas gained over the life of the cow. I select different parts of the hide for specific tasks. Along the back of the cow, the hide is thick and firm. The tanned leather is very dense and tools crisply. This is the leather I want to use.
What do you love about leatherwork?: I love that leather responds quickly, so new ideas can be developed. Solutions can be teased out with samples before committing to the real thing. The most nervous part is cutting into fresh shoulders of leather. The hide can be so handsome in its natural state that you regret having to cut it.

Garvan de Bruir is a master artisan: he began his career in 2008 and he started teaching in 2010