Firstly, a huge thank you to Alison at Bespoke + Local for such a fantastic feature as this week’s Artisan Stories. What an enormous privilege to be included alongside so many other incredible creative local Devon makers and businesses.

     

       

 

If you don’t already know about Bespoke + Local’s stunningly thoughtful and carefully curated bespoke gift hampers, make sure you give them a follow and check out their website for all the details.

        

 

      

Why?

    

        

This is a question we're often asked, albeit in slightly different formats...

     

Why do you do things differently?

Why don't you use cheaper raw materials?

Why do you make things the way you do?

Why does it take so long?

Why are your products different? 

   

The short answer is, because we genuinely believe this is the best way to do things. How we do things really matters to us.

 

       

We've always made things the old-fashioned way. By hand, in small batches or individually, using traditional full grain, vegetable tanned leather carefully sourced from small, responsible tanneries. Each step of the making process is considered and intentional. Purposeful.

     

Keeping our legacy light on the planet matters to us.Individually making a product by hand, giving it the time and attention it deserves and using the finest raw materials available might take longer, but enables that piece to outlast virtually anything made in a factory.

     

As they say, good things come to those who wait!

     

      

Using natural, low impact raw materials that will wear in, not wear out. Materials that are tactile and will patina with time and use, telling a story of a life well lived. Crafting pieces that will endure and become cherished pieces. Creating something with our own two hands that will be admired and adored by you the user.

     

These things make a difference. These things matter to us.

 

        

The heart-warming feeling when a kind and thoughtful customer pops into the workshop or writes to tell us just how much they enjoy using their Tanner Bates piece. The sheer joy and excitement in your eyes when you witness Matt and Matthew in action in the workshop hand crafting your new belt, wallet or bag is uplifting and inspiring. These feelings cannot be replicated.

 

     

So, yes. We could source cheaper materials, or import ready factory-made products to sell on, but they wouldn't wear as well, they wouldn't patina in the same way, and they wouldn't last as long. It would be quicker, and cheaper.

    

But these are short term marginal gains which would soon be eclipsed by a Tanner Bates original, handmade piece that is only just wearing in by the time a cheaper factory-made piece is wearing out.

    

So this is why!
Plus - simply, it just wouldn't be 'us'.

     

   

So, if you've supported us before, or are considering your first piece, thank you. It genuinely makes a difference. 

    

As ever, thank you for your support.

Love from Devon,
   
Rick, Matt & Matthew