OWEN BARRY VISIT
A lovely sunny day for our visit to Owen Barry at the Tanyard in Street where we were welcomed by Cindy, a fourth generation member of the family working in the business, who have been making sheepskin and leather products for 70 years.
Cindy's father Owen began to learn his trade in 1935 and was indentured at Yeovil, becoming a master glove cutter and founded the company in 1948 after war service, making fine ladies gloves.
We were given a tour of the factory and shown all the processes necessary to turn the animal skins into beautiful coats, hats, gilets, gloves, slippers, beanbags and handbags, to name a few of the items made.
Cindy told us the skin is referred to as the 5th quarter of the animal. Up to 15 Toscana lamb skins would be needed to make one coat and the cuttings would be used to make ear muffs and mittens. Toscana lamb was especially used because it survived on sparse grassland and thus produced a very fine sheepskin.
Our interesting tour took in all departments and we were able to talk to the workers and observe the skill of the craftsmen and women.
All enjoyed free cup of tea and choice of home-made cake (lemon drizzle or coffee and walnut) after which we were let loose in the shop where several purchases were made.
A very enjoyable and informative afternoon.
A lovely sunny day for our visit to Owen Barry at the Tanyard in Street where we were welcomed by Cindy, a fourth generation member of the family working in the business, who have been making sheepskin and leather products for 70 years.
Cindy's father Owen began to learn his trade in 1935 and was indentured at Yeovil, becoming a master glove cutter and founded the company in 1948 after war service, making fine ladies gloves.
We were given a tour of the factory and shown all the processes necessary to turn the animal skins into beautiful coats, hats, gilets, gloves, slippers, beanbags and handbags, to name a few of the items made.
Cindy told us the skin is referred to as the 5th quarter of the animal. Up to 15 Toscana lamb skins would be needed to make one coat and the cuttings would be used to make ear muffs and mittens. Toscana lamb was especially used because it survived on sparse grassland and thus produced a very fine sheepskin.
Our interesting tour took in all departments and we were able to talk to the workers and observe the skill of the craftsmen and women.
All enjoyed free cup of tea and choice of home-made cake (lemon drizzle or coffee and walnut) after which we were let loose in the shop where several purchases were made.
A very enjoyable and informative afternoon.