An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(8 pages, 1.1 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 19 MB, for close research
Page 1
Canadian Leathercraft
Volume XXXVII: Spring 1989 No. 3
0045-5121
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Index 1.
Report - 39th Annual General Meeting, Rene Hackstetter - Toronto Branch 2.
Honorary Life Member, Carol McLean, F.C.S.C.L. 5.
New Horizons re Leather 5.
Garnett Dye Co. 5.
Craftsman Ribbons 6.
Salon Ribbons 7.
Weston Trophy Winners, Hamilton Branch 7.
1989-1990 Executive Council - C.S.C.L. 8.
This contents list is printed one item to a line with its page number at the right. It is set out above in that form, matching the page's own order and numbers.
All material published in Canadian Leathercraft is the property of THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE LEATHERCRAFT and may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the Society. President:. Ruth Haig, #401, 264 Duke St., Hamilton, Ont., L8P 1Y3.
1st Vice-Pres: Don Macleod, 2165 Corsair, Mississauga, Ont., L5A 2L7.
Treasurer: George McPhail, 3 Lambton Ave., Toronto, Ont., M6N 2S2. Recording Sec: Muriel McKnight, 70 New St., Hamilton, Ont., L8P 4J4 Corresponding Sec: Betsy Rennie, 1357 Baldwin St. Burlington, Ont. L7S 1K1. Membership: Joyce Scruton, 212 Southview Rd. Oakville, Ont. L6K 2P4. Editor: Audrey Gorton, 22 Redwing Rd., Hamilton, Ont., L9A 3Y9.
Page 2 — Report - 39th Annual General Meeting, Rene Hackstetter - Toronto Branch
39TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTTAWASAGA INN, ALLISTON, ONTARIO
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1989 TO SUNDAY, MAY 7, 1989 HOSTED BY THE TORONTO BRANCH OF C.S.C.L.
We arrived on Friday, May 5, 1989 at 5:30 p.m., at the Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, Ontario with our excitement and anticipation mounting! Many of the members' had already arrived and were eating in the restaurant. After fish and chips we felt much better and, with cake, coffee, and the witty commentary from Jack Meharg, Harold Brister and the presence of Phyllis and Fred Brown to raise the tone of the occasion... it was proving to be an auspicious beginning.
After settling into our rooms - thankfully quite good - in spite of the late registration - down to the display rooms to get a glimpse of the many well-crafted and displayed articles. AFter being shooed out by the Fellows, it was off to the conference room to hear a presentation by Sharon Gogischwili on the History of Bookbinding.
Leather and books are bound together and it is a tribute to Sharon that her open approach encouraged a spirited discussion ranging from the Haliburton School and Don Taylor's class there, to questions about gathering signatures and sewing them together. Our thanks to Sharon! Saturday at the breakfast buffet our table was graced with those lovely Norland Branch Members, Hilda Chynoweth and Emma Windatt with Madeleine and Dean Mitchell at the next table! It could be noted here how vital our Newsletter is for liking all the branches and informing each other of developments, as well as nurturing those friendships formed at the Annuals. It is especially important for those Members-At-Large, such as Irene Girling and Laura Bush, as well as those mentioned who bear the Society's Standard where there are not sufficient members for a Branch. It is an achievement that is worthy of being noted, what they have the tenacity and courage to practice, to enter, and to stay linked!
Our business meeting, Saturday at 10:00 a,m. was capably chaired by Ruth Haig who brought the meeting to order and took all of us through the procedures with efficiency and grace. Thank you on behalf of all of us Madame President.
After the election of the Slate of Officers for the coming year, we proceeded smoothly to the Branch Competition Awards and the appraisal of the Weston Trophy articles. It could be noted that the entries were numerous and skillfully executed. The branches all had quality work, with especially attractive displays from the Hamilton and Woodstock Branches! Betsy Rennie's tooled portfolio, Dave McPherson's containers, those lovely translucent rawhide fish mobiles of Edith Melchior-Hawkins, the poinsettas as well as Loreen Manual's finely rendered cross!
The original prints "poinsettas", kept exactly as printed.
In their appraisal of the Weston Trophy articles, Jessie Little and Gladys Riddell made observations that were well founded and tactful. Theirs were clear and simple observations, distilled from practical experience. Our praise to the Fellows.
As Dorothy Muma, Chairman of the Council of Fellows explained, the Trophy originated with the Weston Leathercraft Guild, one of the first leather guilds, dating to the Forties.
Two words are kept exactly as printed though they read oddly: "Loreen Manual's finely rendered cross" — the Craftsman Ribbons roster on page 6 prints "Manuel, Loreen" — and "our Newsletter is for liking all the branches", where "linking" would read more naturally.
Page 3
The winners of this year's award demonstrated some of the qualities it takes to merit this achievement. Noted are Sharon Gogischwili's cylindrical box with delicate cloisonne enamel lid and Dave McPherson's container really standing out. Cliff McTavish's incised and modelled washbag was a fine example of a decorative treatment using colour sparingly. Bea Austin's three-legged stool, with it's raised maple leaves encircling the seat, demonstrated the repousse method beautifully.
It is with these wards and ribbons that development and maturity in the Craft is recognized. We garland our lives with the cultivation of these skills and, through association, we strengthen each Branch, which in turn creates a stronger Society. It is the Annual each Spring which re-affirms each Branch's link to the Society.
We might take a moment to remember those that first planted the seed as well as those who cultivated the friendships that formed our Society. They are fondly remembered, in passing through these groves, the fragrance still lingers. It is with the understanding that we regard these tendrills, leaves and the delicate moss underfoot.
Saturday's programme included Bruce White's talk on airbrush technique and Rene Hackstetter's lecture on picture framing and whatever else came to mind. Bruce's Medici airbrush certainly did quite a job -- keep practising! Rene's first talk wandered hither and thither with even some of the seasoned veterans nodding off! However, fatigued from the first display of his feathers, the second demonstration stuck more closely to the text and the ark reached the other shore with all his passengers! His navigational instruments are the latest models, however, a simple compass works as well. Good work gentlemen!
Saturday evening the head table at the banquet consisted of Dorothy Muma, Chairman of the Council of Fellows; Ruth Haig, President, C.S.C.L.; Muriel McKnight, Recording Secretary; Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Black, Vice-President, Tandy Leather Canada and Mr. Harold Brister, President of the Host Branch, Toronto.
After Madame President's message of greetings was read and a silent prayer offered, we commenced eating with zeal! Delicious! Following the presentation of the awards, and congratulations to the worthy who entered, our keynote speaker, Mr. Doug Black delivered an excellent message on the state of the leather industry.
"We have to consider the shrinking leather industry and join together in a mutual effort of education and promotion", said Mr. Black. The Society agrees wholeheartedly, this is one of the primary aims of the C.S.C.L. and the record of workshops, demonstrations and lectures affirms this continuous effort.
We hope that more links will be established between all leather manufacturers and the Society. This is what is meant by Sustaining Membership. The records of the Society, as well as the Newsletter, Canadian Leathercraft, maintain Standards of Design set through the deliberation and judgement of the Fellows, the highest degree of the Craft. Through thirty-nine years of testing, exhibiting and co-operation with the Ontario and Canadian and World Craft Council, standards are set and maintained.
The page itself prints “these wards and ribbons” — the Society’s own typing, kept as printed.
Page 4
These are the aims and objectives as framed in our Constitution and it is hoped that everyone will accept these standards and build a foundation for Creative Leathercraft!
Leatherworkers have to purchase tools, books and leather from suppliers. These companies foster leatherwork, but the nurturing of the Craft is the work of the Society. This is the difference -- Business must be profitable and products must be sold. This is their task and it is our task to encourage the community of leatherworkers. Our Society is just that -- at Society. When we mix the two, they are incompatible.
Bill Whittingham gave a wonderful demonstration on using scrap leather. This is a creative use of off-cuts that Bill has developed! We hope to see an Ark full of creatures at the next Annual!
As the evening and weekend drew to a close, many found memories and friendships were made. A special Thank-You is extended to those who came as well as those who sent their greetings. Our best wishes to those that were not able to come -- they are not forgotten. Thanks especially to Iiva Limberg, Willman and Endel Ruberg for sending their best wishes. We hope we will see these Fellows from the earliest days of the Society at a future date. A special thanks to The Bata Museum for their contribution of shoe posters for the prizes. To those that have not been thanked until now, such as Joyce "Arm's Length..." Scruton who tirelessly sold an awful lot of tickets, enabling us to break even -- Thanks! And, finally, to Harold Brister and Jack Meharg and the Toronto Branch for hosting such a memorable Annual! Great work Gentlemen!
After the delicious Brunch Sunday morning, visits between tables, spirited discussions on politics and religion, with Dorothy Muma saying, "Well it is Sunday isn't it?" -- we finished our repast and went to watch an impromptu slide show, which garlanded the memories of the week-end with the lovely achievements of the past!
By this steady drawing from the well of memory we sweeten and nourish our present efforts. New branches will sprout if we nourish the ground with free ideas. Our Society is not one old trunk alone in the desert, it is a grove, nourished by a hidden spring, with some old and some new growth. We are all nourished by what has grown and died. These voices still linger quietly reminding us.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rene Hackstetter
Toronto, Ontario
“Willman” is printed with a capital W and a double L. The given name printed just before it is “Iiva Limberg”; whether Limberg and Willman are one person’s names split by a comma, two people, or something else is not settled. “Our Society is just that -- at Society” is printed exactly so and kept, though “a Society” is plainly meant.
Page 5 — Honorary Life Member, Carol McLean, F.C.S.C.L.; New Horizons re Leather; Garnett Dye Co.
CAROL McLEAN, F.C.S.C.L. HONORARY LIFE MEMBER
At the 1988 Annual General Meeting of the C.S.C.L., Carol McLean, F.S.C.S.L., became an Honorary Life Member. Carol is a member of the Woodstock Branch and has been since its inception as a branch. From the early 60's, Carol has been interested in leather. She started at a night school course in Woodstock and later took Advanced Leathercraft from Irva Ford, Clara Cavanaugh, Anne Hook and Olivia Smith. She used her skills and talents to teach night school courses in leather in Woodstock and area. In 1970, Carol became an Associate Member and in 1975, at the 25th Annual General Meeting she gained her "Fellow" standing. Carol has been a Director of C.S.C.L. and most recently she has organized C.S.C.L.'s archives. Through the years, Carol has achieved a recognition in leathercraft for her innovation and her excellence in design in leather art. She has received numerous ribbons for Craftsman, Salon, Biennial Exhibitions and the Weston Trophy Competitions. In 1976 she received the Chatelaine Award from the C.N.E.
Photography is another of her talents along with a full-time vocation recently in quilting.
Few leather artists could be more deserving of an Honorary Life Membership than Carol McLean.
NEW HORIZONS
New Horizons are trying to get various types of Morocco Leather which will be sold at the Annual General Meetings or by ordering same through Gladys Riddell or Joyce Scruton.
Joyce has also requested that people send in their preference for leather i.e. cowhide, morocco, skiver (natural skins only) -- along with the weight, colour or whatever is necessary so that she can try and have some available at the 1990 Annual General Meeting.
GARNETT DYE CO.
Fred Brown is no longer associated with Garnett Dye Co. It is now operated by Harold Brister and Joyce Scruton. How to order, etc. will be given at a later date.
"the cC.S.C.L." corrected to "the C.S.C.L." — the stray leading c was not on the page, confirmed closely on the original. The body's "F.S.C.S.L." is left exactly as printed, though the heading two lines above reads F.C.S.C.L.; both forms checked closely on the original and the body genuinely does swap the second and third letters.
Page 6 — Craftsman Ribbons
CRAFTSMAN RIBBONS - 42 AWARDS
| Winner | Branch | Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, Bea | Hamilton | 3 Legged Stool Box for Glasses |
| Cloughley, Kay | Member-At-Large | Square Pin with Decorative Centre Panel |
| Gogischwili, Sharon | Hamilton | Small Round Box with Copper Enamel Lid Dark Green Puzzle Box Royal Blue Box Blue Covered Bottle Dark Green Ranger Belt |
| Hackstetter, Rene | Toronto | Black Briefcase Picture Frame |
| Haig, Ruth | Hamilton | Orange & Brown Square Box Small Ranger Belt Mahogany Ranger Belt Soft Blue Bag |
| MacPherson, Lois | Mississauga | Red Bottle with Black Design Decorative Leaf Box Lamp |
| Manuel, Loreen | Woodstock | Cross - Stacked Leather Oval Mahogany Tray Maple Leaf Tray Light Interior Round Bowl Yellow & Black Oblong Tray |
| McPherson, Dave | Hamilton | Blue Box with Stone Inside Dark Brown Ranger Belt Blue Heart-Shaped Box Light Blue Covered Bottle |
| McTavish, Cliff | Mississauga | Men's Toiletry Kit Dark Tan Hinged Box Moulded Change Purse |
| Mitchell, Madeleine | Woodstock | Writing Case |
| Montieth, Margaret | Woodstock | Irregular Shaped Covered Bottle Large Mask |
| Nelson, Glenn | Norland | Black and White Clock Bolo Tie with Scalloped Pendant |
| Pfaff, John | Mississauga | Snakeskin Belt |
| Rennie, Betsy | Hamilton | Men's Toiletry Kit Carved Writing Case |
| Reynolds, Beula | Woodstock | Small Ringbinder Mobile with Small Fish |
The list is printed in three columns — winner, branch, and the pieces that took a ribbon, one to a line — and is set out here in that shape; read straight across, the columns had run together into a single paragraph. It continues on the next page with Joyce Scruton and Bill Whittingham, which is what brings the page's own count of 42 out right.
Page 7 — Salon Ribbons; Weston Trophy Winners, Hamilton Branch
Scruton, Joyce - Toronto - Moulded Bowl Whittingham, Bill - Mississauga - Rex Hexoganal Box, Contour Belt
SALON RIBBONS 7 AWARDS
Austin, Bea - Hamilton - Box for Glasses Gogischwili, Sharon - Hamilton - Small Green Box with Enamelled Lid MacPherson, Lois - Mississauga - Decorative Leaf Box Manuel, Loreen - Woodstock - Stacked Leather Cross, Yellow & Black Oblong Tray McPherson, Dave - Hamilton - Heart Shaped Blue Box Montieth, Margaret - Woodstock - Irregular Shaped Bottle Whittingham, Bill - Mississauga - Contour Belt
WESTON TROPHY WINNERS
HAMILTON BRANCH - 83.3% Austin, Bea - 3 Legged Stool Gogischwili, Sharon - Small Round Box with Enamelled Lid Haig, Ruth - Orange and Black Square Box McPherson, Dave - Blue Box with Stone Inside Rennie, Betsy - Suede Jacket
[The page plainly prints "HAMILTON BRANCH - 83.3%", with a percent sign; kept exactly as printed.]
Loreen Manuel's Salon Ribbons "Yellow Black Oblong Tray" had the same dropped ampersand as its Craftsman Ribbons counterpart on p6, fixed the same way. Bill Whittingham's "Rex Hexoganal Box" is kept exactly as printed (a plain typo for Hexagonal), confirmed closely on the original.
Page 8 — 1989-1990 Executive Council - C.S.C.L.
1989-1990 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE LEATHERCRAFT
OFFICERS.
Past President - Madeleine Mitchell - (519) 537-7821
President - Ruth Haig - (416) 525-0780
1st Vice President - Don Macleod - (416) 277-2058
2nd Vice President
Recording Secretary - Muriel McKnight - (416) 529-9149
Corresponding Secretary - Betsy Rennie - (416) 639-0771
Treasurer - George McPhail - No Telephone
DIRECTORS.
Kevin Armstrong - (416) 278-4666
Bea Austin - (416) 522-8282
Harold Brister - (416) 279-0333
Fred Brown - (416) 626-3184
Laura Bush - (613) 392-1475
Audrey Gorton - (416) 389-9567
Lillian Kay - (416) 241-0730
Jessie Little - (416) 783-8603
Lea Love - (416) 276-7340
Jean Pickering - (519) 285-2518
Gladys Riddell - (416) 762-7466
Joyce Scruton - (416) 844-9471
Helen Wheaton - (519) 432-0178
Bruce White - (416) 755-4464
Bill Whittingham - (416) 239-3743
EX-OFFICIO.
Chairman of the Council of Fellows - Dorothy Muma - (416) 654-5635
Teaching Standards - Robert Muma - (416) 654-5635
Archivist - Kevin Armstrong - (416) 278-4666
Librarian - Rene Hackstetter - (416) 535-8509
Editor - Audrey Gorton - (416) 389-9567
BRANCH PRESIDENTS.
Hamilton - Muriel McKnight - (416) 529-9149
Mississauga - Don Macleod - (416) 277-2058
Norland - Hilda Chynoweth - (705) 545-3206
Toronto - Rene Hackstetter - (416) 535-8509
Woodstock - Madeleine Mitchell - (519) 537-7821
The slate is printed in three columns, one office to a line, and is set out here in that order. 2nd Vice President stands on its own line with no name and no telephone beside it: the office was unfilled, and reading the columns straight across had run it into the Recording Secretary’s line.