Meet The Maker – Cathy Edwards

Cathy Edwards - leatherworker

Catherine Edwards uses bold, architectural forms that allow leather to be shown at its natural best. They are practical and durable pieces that will gain character as they age.

Catherine Edwards - leather bag group

The four collections, satchels, men’s, contemporary and tableware are made using the finest British and Italian leather hides. Each item is hand cut from individual selected panels; hand stitched and finished using a sound combination of traditional techniques.

Catherine Edwards - selection of coin purses

A residency as shoe maker at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, led to a collaboration with a saddler, from which came the inspiration for her current collections.

Catherine Edwards - Axel Giant

Catherine Edwards - leather wallet

Heart Gallery currently stocks Catherine’s leather wallets, purses and a small collection of bags but commissions and one off pieces are welcome, as are interior design and furnishing projects.

Meet The Maker – Gregg McDonald

Gregg McDonald - Leather Worker

Well, it has been a while since I posted a Meet The Maker … infact, it’s been a while since I posted a blog to be honest! Excuse? Not enough hours in the day I guess and Heart Gallery had such a busy Christmas it took a while to get back into the swing of things so many apologies folks. Here is the first one of 2011 then ……

For those of you who know Heart Gallery well you will know that until September last year Gregg was a resident maker in Heart Gallery. His little workshop was at the back of the gallery where you could see him designing, hand cutting and machine stitching beautifully soft British leather turning it into stunning wallets, purses, handbags, belts and phone covers.

Gregg's space in Heart Gallery 2008 - 2010

Unfortunately, last year Gregg decided to move to Leeds and realised that travelling to Hebden Bridge would not only be costly but time consuming as well so he had to make the difficult decision to move out of his space. Gregg simply moved his workshop back to his home however and is continuing to produce work for Heart Gallery, his website and carefully selected outlets.

A Gregg McDonald leather and fabric wallet

A Gregg McDonald leather and fabric wallet

Gregg is a graduate of the prestigious Cordwainers College in London and has worked as a footwear designer. He really enjoys the whole design process, watching an initial design turn into a finished product so also works closely with customers on bespoke commissions.

A Gregg McDonald leather and fabric purse

A Gregg McDonald leather satchel style bag

Heart Gallery still stocks some of Gregg’s ‘off the shelf’ products so call in and see the quality of his workmanship. We are stocking a selection of wallets and phone covers but if you want to discuss a commission with him then contact him via his website Gregg McDonald