TUCKED away in the back of a house off Long Road lives the Leather Lounge Lizards.
A group of four men tap, tap, tapping away imagining and creating marvellous creations.
About three years ago, Len Bytheway, Rob Shackleford, Howard Philbey and his son, George, got together after meeting at the men’s shed, sharing their passion for all things leather.
“It’s about fellowship, sharing and learning. We talk rubbish, create things and share ideas and skills,” Len said.
“Collectively we do quirky, unique and quality leatherwork. We respect the animal and traditions of the past. Honouring traditional leatherworking skills, but also modern techniques.”
“It’s about creativity in leather making. It’s more than wallets, belts and bags. It’s anything you can put your mind to,” Rob added.
“It’s about getting the courage to try something silly.”
For Howard, it’s a chance to break away from his retirement village and reignite a skill he first learnt about 40 years ago.
“It’s a big learning environment where we all feed off each other,” he explained.
George, his son, has been working with leather for about eight years, after being inspired by his father to take up the craft.
Leatherwork became a form of therapy for George when was medically discharged from the navy.
“It gave me something to focus on. I had PTSD. I have a fused left shoulder, and the right shoulder has been replaced. I get shakes in my hands. I started out doing plaiting to help my hands shaking, but it (leather work) gave me a creative outlet, keeping my mind and hands busy,” he said.
George focuses on carving, a very traditional style, but using non-traditional patterns.
Rob described his work as “macabre, but incredible”.
George’s work has become famous, being commissioned for one off pieces for several big television series, including Nautilus, Monarch Legacy of Monsters and Apples Never Fall.
Last year he won second place at the Ekka for an elaborately carved top hat.
“I get a thrill out of seeing my pieces on the screen,” he smiled.
The four regulars meet weekly on a Tuesday, with others sometimes others joining.
“We go into withdrawal if we miss it,” Len laughed.
“Until I formed the group, I was working on my own. It makes the work so much more enjoyable when you are sharing.”
Len’s studio has tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment in it, with some of the tools being over 100 years old.
Each piece is painstakingly and lovingly crafted – some taking up to 200 hours to make.
They admit that it’s a labour of love, with the money never compensating them for the time invested.
Len also does the leatherwork repairs for the Repair Café.
Last year they exhibited their works at the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail for the second year, which they said was a huge success as visitors came and oohed and aahed and played with their creations.
“We are happy to have anyone join us, but you’ve got to have a beard,” joked Rob.
