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The 1998 LEDER-GILDE e.V. Show

Show report with a few photographs from the 1998 LEDER-GILDE e.V. show.

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"LEDER 98"

A further step to success.

by RenÈ Berends

Marc De Meyer and the LEDER-GILDE e.V. hosted the third leather art and craft show on Sept. 3 thru Sept. 6 in Winterthur, Switzerland. Like the two previous shows in Germany and Holland, attendance was gathered from all over the world, to teach, to learn, to communicate and to have a lot of fun. This prestigious event covered many facets of leatherwork, from fine artwork to seminars on the basic techniques of the craft. With the emphasis on the presentation, the historical building "Die Alte Kaserne" offered the perfect setting for the venue. A former army barracks and arsenal from the 16 th. century, refurbished to a cultural centre of the present in the city of Winterthur.

The opening night equaled a grand happening with life-music, few speeches, a buffet with assorted drinks and snacks and a marvelous show by puppeteer and actor Jochem Knie. This multi-talent from former East Germany, also a leather artist, makes his own puppets for his act, some of them completely out of one piece of leather.

The invited guests and the staff of our main sponsor the GenËve Insurance Company were dumbfounded and astonished as they were guided through the exhibition. The same reaction was seen with the public during the next three days of the conference because of the exceptional quality, craftsmanship and artistry of the work on display. Particularly the special features of Australian artists Garry Greenwood and Mike Taylor, as a once in a lifetime attraction drew a lot of attention. Their artwork is now on tour for almost one year and will be exhibited in the German and Dutch Leather museums. It was not just the display, but also the presentation generally with flowers and plant arrangements and special lighting that made it all look very professional.

The performance of Garry Greenwood's theatre costumes, his leather playable musical instruments in combination with the leather puppet show were definite highlights. It showed the versatility of the material, taking it to complete different dimensions. Also JosÈ Bernardo's (Mexico) installation "SNAKES" added an interesting asset to the exhibition. Some pieces of the artists are now bought by the German Leather museum and private collections.

A lot of members of the LEDER-GILDE e.V. contributed to the success of the show with their seminars on carving, hand sewing, fine hand sewing, coloring and making a timer. Maria and Attila Bogdan made their debut in teaching a class on how to make a wallet, the interior and decorating it with a beautifully embossed and modeled eagle head.

Bob Beard's seminar on a leather necklace was booked out a long time before the show. All his pupils were very pleased with the expert teaching and the results.

The slide show on historical leather bicycle seats by Stephanie Rothemund as well as her own work, was very interesting, and informative. An eye-opener for all cyclists and leatherworkers.

The presentations of slides by JosÈ Bernardo, Mike Taylor and Garry Greenwood about their work were absolutely spectacular. There was no secrecy about anything, techniques, various kinds of leather and information for construction was given freely.

The Bistro connected to the building and it's terrace offered the appropriate surroundings for conversations, discussions, drinks and food and a friendly service. Many new contacts were made and old ones freshened up.

All visitors were handed out a form for their judgment on marked items, one piece each of all the exhibitors. This was a very good way of involving the public and to make them look at the articles more intensively.

The third prize (DM 500.- donated by The Bear Gallery in Munich) was well earned by Armin Dobstetter's for his rigged up Harley Davidson. [Fuel Tank Detail] [Saddle Detail]
The second prize (DM 750.- also donated by The Bear Gallery) went to Mike Taylor for his mask "NEOMA".
The first prize (1000.- Swiss francs donated by Westernstore in Oberhofen) was won by Garry Greenwood with his "Dragon Horn".
Congratulations to the winners with their overwhelming amount of points.

Many thanks go to Marc De Meyer and his wife Antoinette for organizing a fabulous show. One point of criticism must be mentioned A show like the "LEDER 98" deserves better publicity and should have more support by newspapers, magazines, radio and television. To get this support is very hard and it is something that we have to work on in the future with better results hopefully. We have to reach a much larger audience and bring many more visitors to such an event. We do not have to hide from anybody as we do have the quality. It surely was a further step in the right direction!

Gerda v.d. Stroom and the Dutch Leather and Shoe museum have already started the work for the next conference, the "LEDER 2000" in the museum in Waalwijk, Holland in April 2000. Enough time to start planning your presence. See you there.

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