Astride Saddle Construction
Participants will generally be making saddles commercially. The course does not lead to a qualification as it employs techniques and methods that sit outside those prescribed for the C&G Diploma in Saddlery (Saddle) and which are more commonly employed in commercial saddle design and manufacturing.
Participants will learn how to flock (stuff) panels as part of this course.
Duration, Fee and Financial Support
3 weeks (not consecutive).
The fee is £2,250*.
Places on this course will be subsidized for non-saddlers (18-30) currently working in the trade who want to learn the skills to advance and become a saddle maker.
The course will run twice a year in the Autumn and Winter. Trees, leather and other materials will be supplied at cost to participants. Once offered a place you will be asked to pay a deposit of £200 to secure your place.
Course Dates
Course 1
Week 2: 14/10/24 to 18/10/24
Week 3: 28/10/24 to 01/11/24
Course 2
Week 2: 11/11/24 to 15/11/24
Week 3: 25/11/24 to 29/11/24
Other Information
Students will make a saddle from a GP tree with patterns supplied. Pattern making will not be taught as part of this course because that is a specialist course all in itself. However, the principles of pattern making will form part of the teaching. As in factories, machining is carried out by a machinist. If participants want to learn how to machine for themselves, we can provide this additional training at another time.
Places on this course are limited to 6 and participants must not be complete beginners. The course is taught by experienced Walsall Master Saddlers.
If you want to discuss your interest further or to apply for a place, please email patrick@walsall-leather.org or telephone 07860 957580.