40 under 40: Meet Lucy Ellis

Every Monday, we are celebrating one of our 40 under 40 makers.

This week we are talking to Master Saddler and Master Bridle Maker Lucy Ellis and winner of our 2022 - 2023 Scholarship winner.

Let's get to know her with our Q&A. 

Tell us a bit about what you do?

By qualification, I am a Master Saddler and Master Bridle-maker registered with the Society of Master Saddlers'. I make bespoke bridlework and repair all aspects of saddlery, whether that's new girth straps on a saddle or replacing buckles on a martingale. I also use these same skills to make and repair a range of belts, dog collars and other leatherwork.

How did you get into making leather goods? / What, or maybe who inspired you to start making?

I grew up obsessed with horses and when I was a teenager I had a lovely mare that I used to compete in showing. I rode her in a beautiful double bridle that had been made for my mother's horse when she was a teen. This bridle had spent the past few decades in an attic but after a quick clean it looked as good as new. This is when I first remember really appreciating the difference in quality leatherwork.

What is your favourite product to make/favourite commission piece?

I don't really have a favourite thing to make, as I love the variety of making different things every day. It is always special when there is a bit of a story behind an item or when it is a really unique piece, although that does put a bit more pressure on me to get it right!

What do you love most about working with leather?

I love that leather is a natural material and no two pieces are the same, this of course creates challenges but it's also nice that it has so much character.

What are your next goals/ Have you got any exciting new projects lined up?

I always have various new ideas and projects I'm whittling away at but at the moment I am thinking ahead to the National Saddlery Competition in February 2023. I generally aim to get at least one entry in, it's just a matter of finding enough free time to work on them.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a leather worker or who has just started out?

Find yourself some decent tools, you're far better to have a handful of good tools than lots and lots of rubbish ones! I would also suggest you invest in some training from a reputable leatherworker. The rest is just about putting the time in, I have spent hours stitching scrap bits of leather to get my hand stitching to where it is (and I would still say there is room for improvement.)

What does it mean to you to be included on the 40 under 40 list?

It is such an honour to be on the 40 under 40 list, especially to be alongside leather workers whose work I have been admiring over the years. It's lovely to know that people appreciate what I'm doing and took the time to nominate me.

How important do you think it is to keep traditional techniques alive in the modern world?

I love so much about the modern world and what it has to offer, but can't stand the mass production and throw away culture. I believe that traditional quality craftsmanship, making things to last and repairing instead of replacing are all key to building a more sustainable future.

What have you done to keep relevant in a digital age?

As I have grown up with social media, it always seemed the obvious path for promoting and sharing my business. I don't really have official premises, I just work out of a spare room, so social media is my "shop window". By posting videos on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, people are able to see what I do and feel connected without having to leave the comfort of their homes.

What is the biggest challenge to becoming successful in your discipline?

I would say for me, one of the biggest challenges has always been money. I spent 5 years studying saddlery full time and although for part of that time I was an apprentice, I had to relocate for the job and apprentice wages don't stretch far. On top of that, a lot of people don't seem to appreciate the hard work and time that goes into making each item, not to mention the cost of sourcing quality materials. I would love to be able to make things and never think about the money, but at the end of the day, I've got bills to pay!
 

 For more information, please visit https://lucyellisleatherwork.co.uk/shop/
To join this network of great makers, please follow Lucy's Instagram page HERE