Iseabal Hendry
I launched my capsule collection of accessories in August 2020 after years of development and research. Inspired by traditional crafts in the Scottish Highlands, where I live, including basket weaving and roof thatching, I create all my work by hand. My handwoven leatherwork is a celebration of craftsmanship and showcases the possibilities within hand craft and materials with real heritage in an entirely new, modern aesthetic.
After graduating from the Glasgow School of Art in 2016 I spent the following four years developing my practice and building up a sustainable supply chain as close to home as possible. The cotton I use is woven on looms over 100 years old in Scotland, the leather is from a family run tannery in Italy who specialise in vegetable tanned hides of the highest standard. Even the linen I use for my protective dust-bags comes from Scotland’s last linen mill and uses offcuts that would otherwise be deemed waste. I work with suppliers and makers across the UK and hand-weave every single bag myself in the Scottish Highlands. Supporting our textile and creative industries here in Scotland is important to me, not only to reduce my carbon footprint and the miles my products have travelled, but also to build upon the incredible heritage of making we have here.
Launching my brand in the middle of a global pandemic threw a few hurdles my way but early on my work caught the attention of Creative Scotland, who selected me for their first ever Crowdfunding initiative. Against all odds I successfully raised more than three times my initial fundraising target and as a result I have been able to produce my collection in the UK, from start to finish, using the highest quality materials which I source entirely within Europe.
My upbringing in a rural village in the Highlands and my experiences of traditional boatbuilding and of happy days spent in my father’s wood-workshop continue to inspire and underpin my practice. I’m currently building upon my collection, adding new colourways inspired by my local landscape and refining my products for my first online shop opening in Spring.
See the collection at www.iseabalhendry.com/shop
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See what goes on behind the scenes on instagram at @iseabalhendry
Get in touch at hello@iseabalhendry.com