The Art of Design Issue 44 2020 | Page 34

34 HANDCRAFTED WITH CARE Authentic natural fibres, a love of They also produce a range of gorgeous Skyeskyns is committed to maintaining tradition and craftsmanship, care for the interior accessories made by their in- and developing their tanning craft, and to environment and the community, these are house seamstresses. Their website and supporting a sustainable rural economy. some of Skyeskyns’ core values. showroom offer a vast selection of high This commitment was recognised when quality sheepskin rugs, throws, beanbags, they won a regional Rural Business Award Skyeskyns was established in 1983 by pouffes and cushions as well as Scottish for Manufacturing in late 2018. Clive and Lydia Hartwell from their croft in and British wool accessories. Waternish, a peninsula in the North West Part of their approach includes educating of the stunning Isle of Skye. It is the sole Skyeskyns’ products are all about adding the public and spreading the word about exhibition sheepskin tannery in Scotland, style, texture, comfort and a touch of luxury wool-on tanning: Skyeskyns offers free and one of only a handful of sheepskin to any room – and quality is assured. tours of their Waternish tannery so you can tanneries in the UK. It remains a family see for yourself how the fleeces are made business with Lydia and her daughter Jess “Our products aren’t mass produced, they at the helm, driving the business forward are handcrafted and hand-finished. What and ensuring that Skyeskyns’ products are we don’t produce ourselves is carefully The Skyeskyns team are experienced ethically sourced and carefully selected sourced in the UK and Europe.” at dealing with bespoke and interior to offer customers the best sheepskin available. Sheepskins are a traditional by-product of farming, which comes from animals that Skyeskyns crafts beautiful sustainable have been sent to the abattoir for meat – sheepskin rugs and throws, tanned using Skyeskyns use what is essentially a waste tree bark extract, in their onsite tannery. product to make something beautiful and durable. and how age-old skills are preserved. design commissions and can be contacted by phone: 01470592237 or email [email protected]