Did you learn from a master artisan?
Melina: Some master leatherworkers taught us the basics. Antonio Garrido, a master saddler, taught us how to sew by hand. Juan Rojas, David’s great-uncle, taught us how to make a pattern. We knew our techniques needed a more contemporary twist. It was a slow process of trial and error, totally self-taught.
Why did you choose this craft?
David: We are lovers of noble materials, especially leather, a material that reconnects us with our most human essence. The leatherwork allows us to work with raw materials that were once alive. We like to develop unique pieces with our hands from start to finish.
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What do you consider your key skills?
Melina: Besides the skills we learned to develop our craft, we can connect with our clients. Our intuition guides us to know what they are looking for. Our studio is a workspace but also a hub for the exchange of ideas, inspiration, and creativity for a small community of professionals.
How is your craft linked to the territory where you live?
David: Spanish leather has always been a world reference. We inherited the tanning technique from the Arabs, but we have perfected it over the centuries up to the present day. There are still great tanning master artisans all over Spain specialising in different trades of leatherwork.