Meet the Maker: in conversation with The Hide Ranger

With a background and career in fashion design, Emma first started working with leather on an art foundation and in the last few years has been working solely on 'The Hide Ranger'. Originality and the sense of offering something different to the identikit mass produced items are important to Emma. This is one of the reasons that leather appeals to her so much - natural markings and characteristics lend a certain individuality to the piece. High quality craftsmanship is also paramount, with attention and care put into creating long lasting rather than disposable products.

The inspiration for this range was the work of Lowry & Valette. Emma wanted to reflect the varied textures found within the paintings in the surface of the leather, and was lucky to find a gorgeous hide that someone had left over from a project that never was. After initially looking to the paintings and texture, she then found herself absorbed into the world of the artists and started thinking about products that the artists might use themselves. The stamped lettering is inspired by the wording on old multiple pocketed wallets where each compartment is named for its intended use. 'The Hide Ranger' leather goods are designed & handmade in Manchester from reclaimed & surplus leather.

 

What inspires your work?

I am drawn to creating products that serve a function, and have always been attracted to a certain ‘pared down’ aesthetic where simple but effective can be striking. At the same time, leather has a unique charm and warmth of character so by combining the two, there’s a nice balance. Often it’s the material itself that plays a part in informing the style.

Tell us a bit more about the inspiration for the pieces you have created for Manchester Art Gallery.

Looking closely at the paintings in the Valette & Lowry room and discovering the lovely rich textures, I began wondering if there might be a way I could represent this through the leather. After some searching, I found a leather hide that someone had no use for any more after a project didn’t come to fruition. The slightly aged look with the characterful natural markings to me reflected not only the texture but the idea that no two areas (on the leather or in the paintings) are going to be exactly the same. Once the material was in place I started developing the products, thinking about the type of products the artists might use themselves (eg Lowry leaning on a lamppost with his sketchbook!). I also wanted the products to work with some of the items found in the MAG shop, for example the sketchbook cover accommodates the little A6 sketchbook, the travel roll fits the Blackwing pencil, etc.

Tell us a bit more about your practice.

I work with reclaimed & surplus leather, designing and making products that can be found in some independent shops & galleries in the UK. Alongside my main collection, I also create exclusive ranges for Museums / Galleries where the inspiration might come from something within a permanent collection (like this MAG range!) or an element / theme from an upcoming exhibition. This has become, I think, my favourite and most exciting type of project - playing with ideas around a central theme and having the opportunity to come up with different collections for some really great, one of a kind institutions!

Describe your workspace.

Previously a living room! I work from home and my living room has gradually become a fully fledged workshop. Leather, tools, tables with wheels (my favourite kind of table), machinery and an increasing number of lights.

Who has influenced & inspired you?

My mum - even though she would laugh at the idea that she is “creative”, is one of the most creative people I know! In the sense of being resourceful and possessing an uncanny ability to find a use for something way beyond its intended use. For teaching me how to sew, for having brought me up in charity shops and for the hours….and hours….spent having to keep myself amused amongst rolls of fabric while she looked through sewing pattern books to find her next project.

What is your favourite piece or design you have made?

Within this MAG collection, my favourite piece is probably the Wallet. It’s a style I use myself (I prefer things that take up as little space as possible!) and this version has the hidden detail of the word “coins” when you open the pocket flap at the back. I like a surprise.

 

The Hide Rangers editioned pieces are available to purchase in the gallery and via our online shop - create link to page