Leather Crafters Meniscus Debut Their Artisan Wares

MEDIA RELEASE

Leather Crafters Meniscus Debut Their Artisan Wares at Hobbit Market

Crafting leather garments and props seen on silver screens the world over has earned local artisan business Meniscus a place at the Hobbit Market in Wellington starting this weekend.

The team of three Wellington-based craftsmen will display their own wares for the first time at the market, with a brand new range of hand made bags, handbags, sporrans, belts, purses, and satchels.

“Designing our own range has consolidated our influences, aesthetics, and skills,” said Meniscus designer Laki Laban. “Between us, we’ve been making boots, shoes, bags, belts, and any leather costume and armour component you can imagine in the film industry for over 25 years, now we have an opportunity to bring our designs directly to customers.”

Laban, who lives in Mt Cook, Ben Price from Island Bay, and Paul Christiansen from Lower Hutt, meticulously produce leather items of exceptional quality, for award-winning international and local productions. While working as a tight team, they have been able to dream, plan, and swap ideas about what will work for customers hungry for quality, New Zealand handmade leather goods and couture.

“The film industry provides a unique haven for old world craft combined with cutting edge innovation and techniques,” said Ben Price. “We realized that what we are doing is unique. Nobody else is hand making leather items like this. We have machine skills, but hand crafting leather brings the work to a whole new level. It’s a pleasure for us to bring these skills into the public arena.”

The Hobbit Market runs from Saturday 24 until Wednesday 28 November at Waitangi Park in Wellington, to coincide with the worldwide premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Only those who worked directly on the production are allowed to participate, and the public is welcome to come and view, marvel at the work, and purchase goods directly from the artisans themselves.
ends

© Scoop Media