Otis Ingrams
Otzi
Leatherworker
Norwich, United Kingdom
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
