An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(8 pages, 1.4 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 19 MB, for close research
Page 1 — From the Editor
Canadian Leathercraft
Volume XXXV No.l Fall 1986
From the Interim Editor
Long time readers of our Canadian Leathercraft may have wondered why there was such a lengthy delay between the past editions.
Unfortunately for our Society, and all her friends, our new Editor, Jean Hunter, was tragically killed in a car accident, shortly before her first issue of Canadian Leathercraft was ready for publication. We enclose this issue, Volume XXXIV No.4, along with this issue, and we express our gratitude for all those who carried on for Jean in completing the issue, and we express our thoughts as a group in the words of her friend, Jessie Little, (please see page 2 of this issue.
Some records had to be assembled before these two issues could go to press, and we express our apologies to those who were not aware of the reason for the lengthy delay.
At this time, may we announce that our new Editor will be a long time member from the Hamilton Branch, Audrey Gorton. We wish her good fortune in having the type of support that has been given to all C.S.C.L. Editors in the past as we know in advance that you will continue to provide good information and interesting articles to her. It is expected, that due to the circumstances the Winter and Spring issues will be combined under one cover......
New Address: Audrey Gorton- 22 Redwing Rd., Hamilton, Ont. L9A 3Y9.
.... Mary M. Patterson.
Table of Contents
p.1. From the Editor
p.2. In Memoriam - Jean Hunter
P.3 What's C.S.C.L.?
p.5 Craft Catalogue addresses
p.6 Leather '86
p.8. C.S.C.L. Executive for 1986-1987.
All material published in Canadian Leathercraft is the property of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft and may not be reprinted in any form without the permission of the Society.
President: Madeleine Mitchell, 17 Light St., Woodstock, Ont. Vice Pres.: Ruth Haig, 264 Duke St., Apt. 401, Hamilton, Ont. Recording Sect: Karla Van Horne, 80 Carrick Ave., Apt.3, Hamilton, Ont. Corr. Sect.: Sharon Gogischwili, P.O. Box 64, Morriston, Ont. N0B 2C0. Treasurer: George McPhail, 3 Lambton Ave., Toronto. M6N 2S2 Interim Editor: Mary M. Patterson, 270 Durie St., Toronto M6S 3G3. ** Incoming Editor: Audrey Gorton, 22 Redwing Rd., Hamilton. L9A 3Y9.
Page 2 — In Memoriam - Jean Hunter
IN MEMORIAM..... JEAN HUNTER
Jean Hunter was tragically killed near her home in Snelgrove, June 9, 1986, in a car accident.
[This notice gives June 9 as the date; the Memorial Display notice below, on the same page, gives June 6. Both are printed exactly as set, and the difference is not resolved on the page.]
Jean taught in the Elementary Schools in Peel, and on obtaining her degree, taught in the Secondary system in Brampton and Bramalea. She was a brilliant teacher and her students were indeed privileged. Jean had a great desire to impart knowledge, and could inspire people to higher levels of achievement. Jean taught leathercraft in the Secondary Schools and on her retirement became very involved with C.S.C.L., becoming an Associate member in 1975 and a Fellow in 1981. At the time of her death, Jean was Vice-President of C.S.CL., Chairman of the Council of Fellows, and Editor of our bulletin, Canadian Leathercraft. Jean responded wholeheartedly to requests for assistance from Branches and individual craftsmen who needed help, and her humanity was further evident in her work with a handicapped group in Bramalea. She was always a great asset at setting up and dismantling our exhibitions, where her advice was invaluable. Jean had a creative mind, as evidenced in her many prize-winning projects. While keenly interested in promoting the craft, she always supported C.S.C.L.standards.
Jean held a special place in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her. No one can take Jean Hunter's place, but may those of us who were inspired by her, honour Jean's memory by continuing to reach for higher goals.
The following notice was placed at our recent Biennial Show with a special display of some of Jean's finest work......
MEMORIAL DISPLAY
WORK OF JEAN HUNTER, F.C.S.C.L.
With this display of some of her more recent work, we honour the memory of Jean Hunter who died in a car accident on June 6, 1986. Jean Hunter was Chairman of the Council of Fellows, and an enthusiastic supporter of C.S.C.L. In addition to submitting work for all our exhibitions, Jean was always on hand to help in setting up and dismantling our shows. As a member of the Executive, she attended meetings and took on more than her share of the jobs which needed to be done. Jean Hunter was one of our most valued members. Her support of the work of C.S.C.L. will be sadly missed.
Page 3 — What's C.S.C.L.?
WHAT'S C.S.C.L.?
The following note arrived in the mail today, one of quite a few similar ones that we've received recently. Apparently our "little yellow newsmagazine" is reaching quite a few people far afield, and the exerpt from today's letter sums up the main question asked.
"Dear Mary;
My wife Margery and myself have been doing leatherwork as a hobby and a second income for some 11 years, and just wondered what the Society is all about...."
Gull Lake, Saskatchewan reader.
For all of you out there, whether in B.C., Washington, Florida,
(to name just a few of the places from where recent letters have arrived, ) or for those of you reading this in some local Ontario public library, here's a summary of the aims and activities of the C.S.C.L. (Personal full information sheets and a membership application will be forwarded to all those writing to the Society. )
C.S.CL. was founded in late 1950 by a group of experienced leathercraftsmen in Toronto, who met to discuss the problem of the status of contempoary leather in Canada. A major objective was to encourage originality in design, but it was understood by the founding group that many leathercraft students, while lacking training in the finer points of original design, would, from association with others, learn to improve all the technical skills of the craft.
Throughout the years, this emphasis on quality of craftsmanship, exchange of helpful tips amongst workers, and encouragement of original design has remained our most important goals. One of the information "tools" that has worked most successfully in that 35 year span, has been the.exchange of information, patterns, and technical knowledge that appear in the pages of the "Canadian Leathercraft".
Biennial shows are held, with galleries in many Ontario cities being used throughout the years, with our most recent one held in the fall of 1986 at Etobicoke Municipal offices. All works for such shows are judged by skilled leathercraft jurors, often including a represntative from the Ont. Crafts Council, of which the C.S.C.L. is one of the founding craft organizations.
Up to 1985, when C.N.E. Toronto craft building rentals escalated greatly, the C.S.C.L. members participated in a joint craft sale. We hope at some time in the near future to find a show where we can once participate as a group for our mutual reward.
Page 4
We have recently had Canadian government funding allowing us to have a travelling leather show tour many Ont. galleries for a year.
Members joining the Association have the opportunity to join as "branch" members, if they are near to any of our local groups, which at present are in Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Woodstock and Norland. We also have a nucleus of workers in Barrie and Belleville area. Those near enough to have access to branch meetings can participate in their monthly meeting/workshops. Members-at-large, spread across the country and the U.S.A. receive the Canadian Leathercraft newsletter and are informed of upcoming shows, and workshops, usually held at a central location on a Saturday, either in Hamilton or Toronto.
Recent workshops have included ones on leather vests, leather desk blotter construction, design concepts, masks, gloves etc. One of our other popular benefits for members is access to our Larmour Memorial Library, originally funded by two late members, Dr. & Mrs. Larmour. Members of branches can collect books from the 5 travelling collections quarterly at branch meetings. Members-at-large can contact the librarian to arrange for use of books from the library, (postage costs to be paid by the member). Amongst the selection of volumnes are books on bookbinding, all phases of leathercraft, design in both leather and general design, picture framing, and many other related crafts subjects. Available on special loan only are a number of rare, out-of-print books, which we have recently had Zeroxed to allow wider access.
Every year there is a convention of C.S.C.L. held in a different area of the province, from Friday night to Sunday noon. This incorporates both an annual meeting as well as a leathercraft show. At the same time branches have an intra-branch competition for a trophy. Naturally, a banquet and evening of special entertainment develops the social aspects of the weekend, but as well a full afternoon is devoted to exchange of information through the use of 6 to 8 demonstrations of special leatherworking techniques. A sale of leather helps round out a very busy weekend.
As well as general members of branches, members-at-large (outside branch areas), we have a second level of craft workers who have passed examination of 4 set articles of original designed pieces, and this enables them to attain "Associate" status in the Society. A further select group manage to create works entitling them to "Fellow" status which is comparable to passing "judges training".
4.
Page 5 — Craft Catalogue addresses
As you can see, the Society, by encouragement of awards through the biennial shows, leather juried show at the Annual Meeting, and Fellow and Associate status, try to help those interested in leather to develop and compete on an ever-increasing plateau of skill. However, for those who enjoy the craft merely as a hobby, the Society provides a fund of information and training to enable those persons to work with greater ease and skill at their chosen hobby.
And lest we fail to mention this..... the friendships struck up amongst members throughout the past 35 years in many cases are as firm and fond as at the beginning of the association. For those who work alone in a distant area, this is one of our most essential functions.... friendship.....
Mary Patterson.
CRAFT SUPPLIES
For those members in either the U.S.A., or those that travel to the U.S. for various supplies at times, we enlose the following notice recently received:
C.S. Osborne & Co. will be glad to send to any Leather Guild or Association all the free catalogues that members may need in their meetings. Please respond to Mrs. Lilia Solis.
Address: Harrison, New Jersey. U.S. 07029-1798.
LEATHER "JEWELLERY FINDINGS" SUPPLIES
Since Ovgem of Ottawa recently retired from business, we have been looking for an alternate source of supply of appropriate pinbacks, stickpin backs, etc. and we mention that a catalogue of such findings may be obtained by writing to:
Johnston Silvercraft Ltd.,
579 Richmond St. West,
Toronto., Ont. M5V 1Y6
We have not ourselves purchased any items, but I believe that several Toronto members have used this catalogue for supplies...
Pricing leather for a show? Remember to tie on tags, NEVER use gummed back price stickers or the finish will be ruined!
Page 6 — Leather '86
LEATHER '86 & QUILT EXPRESSIONS
We were most fortunate this year in having as an added attraction at our biennial show a show by the Oxford County Quilters, entitled Quilt Expressions.
Along with this, our travelling exhibition, "Leather Creations", jointly funded by O.C.C. and the Ontario Arts Council, was also on display. A special display case presenting the works of the late Jean Hunter was also shown.
The members of the C.S.C.L. held an opening for this show on the evening of Sept. 4th, with a large group of members of the craft field in attendance. The awards presentations were directed by President Madeleine Mitchell with the assistance of a number of the Executive,
The background created by the exquisite work by the Oxford Quilt Guild made this one of the most colourful and pleasing displays I've ever been present at, and all those who worked such long hours to set up this show are to be most heartily congratulated and thanked by all of us.
Leathercraft judges were Robert Muma, F.C.S.C.L., and Paul Williams, noted International /Canadian Leather artist. Paul was present for the awards ceremony, along with representatives of the O.C.C. The following awards were presented:
Ont. Crafts Council Award for Most Original Design- Small Jar,
Leather Covered- Mary Patterson
Michigan Leather Artisans Award for Best Leather Article- Ring Binder,
Jessie Little
Moore-Pearsall Award for best Carving and/or Toolin, Original Design, -
Ring Binder, Jessie Little
Moore-Pearsall Award for Best Box - Carved, Basket-Weave Box,
Karla Van Horne
C.S.C.L. Award, Judge's Special Choice - Molded Pitcher Plant,
Gertrude Hilder
C.S.C.L. Executive Award for Most Functional Piece - Plain Belt,
Ruth Haig
Panache! Award - Large Leather covered Jar - Mary Patterson
Irva Ford Memorial Award for Best Molded Work - Tray, Loreen Manuel
Anne Hook Memorial Award for Best Colour Work - Ring Binder,
Horse Design - Karla' Van Horne
Mary Zatyko Memorial Award for Best Soft Leather Article- Gloves,
Gertrude Hilder.
For further information, the listing of all those taking part in our biennial show are listed on the next page, along with the articles submitted by them.
Page 7
The following craftsmen had work accepted for presentation in Leather '86.
| Bea Austin | Two-tone totebag and moulded red purse |
| Fred Brown | Two-tone covered box; tan Morocco covered box; brown book cover; desk pad of antique Mission Calf |
| Hope Drysdale | Green Morocco bookcover |
| Ruth Haig | Long shoehorn, saddlestiched; ranger belt; moulded scarlet box; moulded base, free form; paperweight of stacked orange leather. |
| Gertrude Hilder | Dark brown ladies gloves; stamped belt; Maple leaf design pin; Moulded pitcher plant. |
| Lillian Kay | Moulded red picture frame; envelope holder, maple leaf design; envelope holder, bird design; moulded pipe rest of laminated cowhide; soft leather roses; Picture, "Star Gazers", embossed. |
| Jessie Little | Table centre, water lily; Ring binder, leaf design. |
| Loreen Manuel | Moulded cowhide tray; Handbag of briefcase design, Brown Mission calf. |
| Carol McLean | Sculpture, "Undulations"; Sculpture, "Manta Ray"; Wall panel, "Interlude I". |
| Madeleine Mitchell | Picture frame of burgundy suede; Hand bag, brown, sponged dyed. |
| Mary Patterson | Shoulder bag, brown Mission cowhide; Covered jar, small, green tones; Covered jar, large, tan; Keycase, resist-dyed; Pendant, leather and copper. |
| Jean Pickering | File case of Mission grain calf |
| Betsy Rennie | Refrigerator magnets, "Cats"; Mask, sheepskin hat and beard. |
| Beula Reynolds | Binder, brown Mission grain "Quilts"; Binder, floreated Morocco; Trug, laminated cowhide. |
| Karla VanHorne | Moulded box, stamped and carved; Carved notebook, "Horse and foal"; Magazine rack, stamped, filagreed; Stirrup key fob, carved. |
Quilt Expressions
The following quilters from the Oxford County group took part in this show, with outstanding efforts!
Kathleen Bisset, Lu Farnell, Marie Green, Henrietta Hanlon, Jean Hillis, Doreen Hugill, Elaine Machilletz, June Margerum, Kathleen Moggach, Carol McLean, Barbara Reynolds, Rosemary Schaeffer, Mary Stephenson, Selena Swance, Maureen Terry, Chloe Truman, Grace Whittington, Margaret Ysselstcin.
We draw special attention to Carol McLean's work, as she had three entries accepted for our Leather '86 show, and an additional seven outstanding works selected for "Quilt Expresssions"!
Work of all the quilters was of an extremely high calibre, both in design and craftsmanship. CSCL would like to express their congratulations for the degree of workmanship shown, and their appreciation for all those who took the time to join in with us in this venture!
Page 8 — C.S.C.L. Executive for 1986-1987
C.S.C.L. EXECUTIVE - 1986-1987.
Past President: Jack Meharg
Acting P. Pres: Hope Drysdale
President: Madeleine Mitchell
1st Vice Pres: Ruth Haig
Recording Sect'y: Karla Van Horne
Corresp. Sect'y: Sharon Gogischwili
Treasurer: George McPhail
| Directors: Bea Austin | Phyllis McHale |
| Laura Bush | Dorothy Muma |
| Mary Anne Crawford | Jean Pickering |
| Hope Drysdale | Gladys Riddell |
| May Corbett | Joyce Scruton |
| Jessie Little | Olivia Smith |
| Lee Love | Ralph Whately |
| Helen Wheaton | Margaret Hunter |
Branch Presidents: Hamilton - Audrey Gorton
Mississauga - Lois McPherson
Norland - Hilda Chynoweth
Toronto - Fred Brown
Woodstock - Beula Reynolds
Chairman of the Council of Fellows - Dorothy Muma
| Archivist | Carol McLean |
| Teaching Standards | Robert Muma |
| Nominating Chairman | Beula Reynolds |
Editor of Canadian Leathercraft - Audrey Gorton.
The above members of C.S.C.L. spend countless hours working to make our Society a viable, interesting association. We trust that members will attempt to help and encourage them in this work by supporting group shows, participating in the "Annual" and its special competitions, and in contributing articles, trade tips and information on upcoming shows to the editor of Canadian Leathercraft. Thank you all......
Membership information: Contact Karla VanHorne, Apt. 3, 80 Carrick Ave., Hamilton L8M 2W3, for Branch nearest you. General Correspondence should be forwarded to: Sharon Gogischwili., P.O. Box 64, Morriston, Ont. N0B 2C0. Canadian Leathercraft Articles & info to: Audrey Gorton, 22 Redwing Rd., Hamilton, Ont. L9A 3Y9.