Making historically inspired leatherwork is a full-time job for Laurence White, who developed his business Shedtime from a hobby whilst working in Primary Care for the NHS.
Working from his workshop in Gainsborough, Laurence produces well researched, period-accurate reproductions and modern items with a historic theme.
Catering predominantly for collectors, museums, military enthusiasts and living history groups, Laurence makes items from period references or is often commissioned to carry out restoration work. The repair and restoration service can involve absolutely anything from a huge spectrum of historically made items from the last 150 years.
“I started the business as a development of a hobby while I was still employed a Paramedic, about ten years ago,” said Laurence.
“I always had an interest in traditional skills and studied wood and metal work at school and college. I used craft in my shed as a way to de-stress from my day Job. It became a goal to turn the hobby into an occupation after some opportunities opened.”
Laurence works from home, except when he’s teaching groups for providers such as Lincoln Castle Heritage Skills Centre, Heritage Lincolnshire at Heckington, Alford Craft Market and several other local craft groups and venues over the years.
He sources his materials from across the UK where he can, and will research suppliers to ensure he always buys the best quality at the right price.
“The right materials are important. I often buy stocks of period hardware, for example, from business that are closing and I seek out manufacturers in the UK. This is due to the highest levels of detail expected and offered in the recreation of the type of heritage items I sell.”
Laurence knows the importance in this business of developing working relationships with suppliers and sources most of his leather from a dealer in Matlock, with whom he’s worked with for a number of years.
“Our local tannery at Chesterfield went out of business last year, unfortunately, but thankfully their last stocks are still available through Identity Leather at Matlock.”
Although Laurence’s business is doing well and he has a loyal customer base, it’s not without it’s challenges.
“The main challenges to a craft business like mine, in the current economic climate, are the prevalence of cheap imported goods, which make handcrafted items made from quality materials like mine, unattainable for many.
“Adding material costs to several hours of labour at even basic living wage rates make even relatively simple items expensive to produce and instantly make them luxury goods. Therefore, the customer base can be quite small for such items.”
Commissioned work is a mainstay for Laurence, and this side of the business adds even more variety to his work on a regular basis.
“An example of an item I frequently have commissioned is a traditional and sturdy trouser belt. The commissioning conversation typically takes longer that some expect, I can offer a huge variety of choices for the belt to be a personalised item.
“I discuss with the client the type of leather, thickness, width, type of buckle, even the colour of the stitching. A typical simple belt in English ‘harness’ style would typically take me three hours of work over a couple of days, if you include all the processes, and waiting time for dye to dry etc. Several items are in process at any time.
There are more processes than most imagine involved. All my work carries a lifetime guarantee, so while a handmade belt may be a considered investment, it’s a process you only need to go through once in your life.”
As far as future plans for the business, Laurence says it’s about being able to react to exterior forces.
“Several organisations I have had good working relationships with have changed their operation methods and staff, and therefore the craft classes I have taught have had to change gear, find a new venue, find a new niche, evolve in a different direction.”
“My business plan is to sell my historical and craft expertise to whoever can pay me in the time being, and stay flexible for new challenges. In the meantime, I accept suitable commissioned and repair work, teach heritage skills, give traditional skill and educational displays at private and public events with organisation such as Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, Alford Craft Market, Heritage Lincolnshire, and West Lindsey District Council.”
For more information you can visit Laurence’s Facebook page Shedtime Handcrafted Leatherwork.