Join us on June 26th at 7 PM to celebrate the opening of Hidebound with an evening immersed in the enduring artistry and cultural significance of leather. As leatherworking is seeing a renewed interest in the handmade, DIY, and craft space, this exhibition brings together a selection of notable pieces - many of which have never before been displayed - offering visitors a rare glimpse into the depth and diversity of the Esplanade’s collection.
This public reception will honour both tradition and contemporary revival. The evening will begin with a blessing from Blackfoot Elder Charlie Fox, followed by remarks from the exhibition’s curator and a special talk by Brenda Mercer, who will speak to the importance of leather within Indigenous culture.
In keeping with the theme, guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in their finest leather - think chaps, vests, jackets, and statement pieces that celebrate craftsmanship and style. At the bar, enjoy a curated experience featuring two scotch selections, each chosen for its rich profiles with distinctive notes of leather - perfectly complementing the spirit of the exhibition.
Exhibit Synopsis:
From briefcases to baseball gloves, from sandals to saddles, leather has been a material used by people across the world for thousands of years. Long before metalworking or even ceramics, leather was used for clothing, containers and many other items. In what might be the earliest chemical process, ancient people discovered the method to turn the hide of a freshly hunted animal into a useful material.
Innovation and technology have given us many synthetic materials over the past century, but traditional leatherworking is again becoming fashionable. In a world of changing attitudes and increased ecological awareness, people are returning to time-honored crafts. Hand-made long-lasting leather goods are once again becoming popular, but some question the environmental sustainability and ethics of the leather industry. What will become of one of the world’s most common materials?
