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Bill Eaton - Saddler

1965 , Ockendon (Essex)

Cat no. 487

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The craft of Bill Eaton, a traditional saddlemaker.

The first sequence is shot in the village of Ockendon. This shows hounds being unloaded and at the sound of the Master's horn, the hunt sets off. Most of the film concentrates on Bill Eaton, saddler. He is seen at his bench cutting leather. He shows his tools to Marjorie Gillham. He explains that he has been using many of the same tools for 58 years. Some have handles of rosewood and boxwood. He has favourite tools, including one cutting implement that has been sharpened to such an extent that it almost beyond use. He demonstrates how the tools are used for different purposes. He marks out a line of stitching, explaining that you only ever mark - never cut. If you cut the leather you cannot get a firm enough line of stitching. He prepares a waxed thread of five core hemp. He explains that he uses this and not flax because it is stronger. He starts stitching, explaining about other types of work he does. He makes harnesses for climbers. Finally he shows some of his work to the camera.The commentary explains that there is no-one to follow Bill Eaton as it would take several years to master a dying art. In the future all lather work will be machine generated

Keywords

Craftsman;

Other Places

Ockendon

Manifestations

Bill Eaton - Saddler

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