The museums of Tuxford have been exploring the contribution leather makes. It is a remarkable material; it can be strong enough to lift the weight of a horse and supple enough to wear very comfortably.
The Museum of the Horse has a horse sling from the late 19th or early 20th century made entirely from one piece of leather 204cm long and 60cm wide. One wonders how large the animal was it came from!
Part of the contents of a tack room that hadn’t been opened for 50 years, once the dust was cleared it cleaned up superbly.
It never fails to amaze how an old heavy horse harness that has been kicking about in a barn for nearly 100 years can remain supple if it has been looked after in its working life.
The Museum of the Horse has all sorts of leather items, as does the Walks of Life Museum, including Wyle’s brothers leather for the people cart.
Laurence White of Shedtime is going to run a leather craft workshop for up to eight people on Saturday 21st October, 11.00am to 3.00pm. The cost is £55.00, payable in advance.
The session will be a fantastic chance to make either a valet tray pocket pouch spectacle or gardeners’ pouch. Laurence is an experienced leather worker who teaches about the history of leather and has turned his interest into a creative business.
When exploring the war graves of Tuxford recently, curiosity was aroused by the grave of John Edgar Stead, who died on 9th October 1915 aged 19 at the Battle of Loos. The Stead family have been sharing his personal story with the Walks of Life Museum, bringing history to life.
The museum is presenting a talk about him on Saturday 14th October at 2.00pm – a young man who gave his life for his country.
The Museum of the Horse is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm. Contact Sally on 01777 838234 or sally@dogart.com.
The Walks of Life Museum is open Thursdays and Saturdays, 11.00am to 4.00pm, and other times by advance arrangement; contact 01777 872776 or dianehunt08@btinternet.com.