Leather craftsmen

THE SADDLER

The profession of saddler is distinguished from that of “bourelier” by its essentially urban activity, but often the two businesses merge. The saddles for riders to ride their horse, it shapes the leather but is also a real carpenter to create the tree, piece of wood which will be assembled upholstery.

THE "BOURRELIER"

The bourrelier working a variety of leathers for making harnesses, horse collars and any kind of bourrelerie owned charretterie. It has a range of hand knives and walking to and shears. Its activity requires great dexterity. The bourrelier’s shop was a meeting place for farmers on market day.

THE SHOEMAKER

“Saint Crépin, Saint Crispian, pray for me.” In his modest shop, the shoemaker craftsman relies on its patron saints as its revenues are modest. Before World War I, wearing leather shoes is an event, the first pair was worn on the wedding day and kept for a lifetime occasions. The shoemaker is often restful and ressemeleur before being shoe salesman.

THE BOOTMAKER

The bootmaker owned by the same corporation as the shoemaker but generally operates for urban and more affluent customers. He makes custom boots.

Le bourrelier. Les artisans du cuir. Collections Humbert
Bourrelier’s tools. Blanchard House, Paris, late nineteenth century.. Photo Archives du musée des Arts populaires de Laduz