18th Century Leatherworking 101 Class at Landis Valley

Instructor: Brett Walker

Class Description

Learn the basics of 18th century leather working by making a simple, decorative and useful document case. This case is an authorized reproduction of one made and owned in the 1740’s by shoemaker Samuel Lane. Successful completion of the class is a prerequisite for subsequent leather working classes by the same instructor.

Class is for ages 18 and up only. Please bring a lunch. Dress in comfortable work clothes and bring a work apron, if available.

Bio:

Brett Walker began his interest in historical leather working and shoe making nineteen years ago, beginning the first of two formal apprenticeships early in 2001. Brett produced shoes and other leather items for a major film production and several living history museums before beginning his museum career in 2007 at Landis Valley Museum. In 2008, he was named as one of Early American Life magazine’s top 100 craftsmen. He was also part of Colonial Williamsburg’s shoe making team as an apprentice under the renowned colonial shoe expert and master shoemaker, D.A. “Al” Saguto.

In 2012, Brett was awarded certifications as a Journeyman Boot- & Shoemaker, and immediately began his second stint in college toward a degree in History and French. He has conducted extensive documentary and archaeological research since 2006, including comparative studies of French and British footwear ca. 1730-1780. Brett lectures at historic sites throughout eastern North America and is currently writing a series of meticulously-documented historical fiction books in which the primary character is an eighteenth century shoemaker in British North America. He and his family live in historic Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

Registration Information:

Register online or download our registration form and return with payment. Cancellation Policy: All materials must be pre-purchased by the instructor; therefore, cancellations can only be refunded prior to sales-end date (June 17). If you registered online through Brown Paper Tickets, you may request a refund through them up to 12 hours after purchase. After that grace period and before the sales-end date, refunds will be issued via a paper check from the Landis Valley Associates, less a $20 non-refundable processing fee. Please contact landisvalley@gmail.com or 717-569-0401 to request your refund. We reserve the right to cancel a class due to insufficient registration. In that case, students can use funds already spent towards the cost of another class or receive a full refund.