Traditional Hide Tanning
Join Josh McLean from The Bush Tannery to learn ethical, traditional tanning techniques.
Ever attempted to craft your own leathers and fur skins at home? Wanted to learn how but didn’t know where to begin?
Based on traditional methods, all-natural ingredients and ethically sourced skins, beginners will enjoy this introduction to traditional tanning with experienced traditional tanner and leather craft facilitator Josh McLean.
Meet your trainer
Josh McLean learnt the skills of fish leather tanning in Lapland, Sweden, based on master tanner Lotta Rahme’s work. While travelling, Josh had the privilege of learning firsthand from Lotta at her tannery in Sigtuna, and has been operating his mobile tanning business called The Bush Tannery since 2016.
The knowledge of traditional tanning and leather-crafting has been handed down from various Indigenous groups across the planet with a strong common message and one that Josh fully embraces – craft beautiful textiles that celebrate life, not destroy it.
About the workshop
As a participant in this workshop you will:
- Have access to some of the traditional tools of the trade
- Prepare your own small animal hide (e.g. rabbit) from fleshing it, creating a natural tanning solution and learning to soften it into a fur rug’
- Take away instructions for experimenting at home
- Have time to ask lots of questions and take notes/photos on the day
Workshop Specifics
What will I learn?
- Traditional tanning methods
- Hands-on participation
What will I take away?
- Instructions
- Practical skills
What should I wear?
- Comfortable, old clothing that you don’t mind getting stained
Anything else I should know?
- Some traditional tanning tools and leather balms will be available to purchase on the day depending on available stock, so please bring some cash with you
Terms and conditions
Our booking and refund policies, concession pricing information, FAQs, as well as other general terms and conditions can be viewed here.
