One of the results of mass production is the erosion of traditional craftsmanship and, in time, the loss of the craft itself.
The author has given us in this book, a permanent record of the craft of saddle making. Using only hand tools and traditional methods he demonstrates step-by-step how a saddle is made without recourse to machinery of any kind.
The text is clearly written throughout, and complemented with both photographs and line illustrations showing the various stages of manufacture. The books should prove helpful not only to apprentice and journeymen saddlers, but also to those without any specialised knowledge.
J.H.L. Shields, a distinguished master saddler, held office in many saddlery associations, including the Society of Master Saddlers, of which he is a past President. Before his retirement he was saddlery instructor to the, then, Ministry of Labour, held a similar position with the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas and is an examiner for the City and Guilds of London Institute.
Paperback.