Today is National Leathercraft Day, a day in which the strong artistic tradition and skill of those who work with leather is honored. Leather is such a multifaceted medium that in the hands of a talented leatherworker can be used to create almost anything from clothing and accessories, footwear, furniture, tools, and sports equipment. Traditionally, common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators, but some contemporary, more sustainable alternatives include cactus, pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, other fruit waste, and recycled plastic.
Frank Ingerson (left) and George Dennison (right). NUMU collection, NU 2021.140.
A couple of well-known Los Gatos residents who worked in leather, but were less-known for that aspect of their art practice were George Dennison and Frank Ingerson. Frank and George, or “the boys” as they were affectionately known, were both a romantic and artistic couple who made Los Gatos their home in the early part of the 20th century. They were the center of a thriving artist community in town, and welcomed many guests to their home, Cathedral Oaks, in the Santa Cruz mountains. Among their famous (and local) artistic friends were violinist Yehudi Mehuhin and actress Olivia de Havilland.
Frank and George were influenced by the Arts and Crafts revival movement, and worked in a wide variety of different mediums. The duo is most recognized for their ceramic tiles, paintings, and design work, as well as the master work, the Ark of the Covenant, commissioned for and by Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco.
This chair, in the NUMU collection, demonstrates both their leather and wood-working skills. The chair is expertly carved, and upholstered in beautifully detailed green leather. The floral motifs, a staple in their other works, are delicately rendered. We can easily imagine this chair being used by beloved guests at Cathedral Oaks.
-Alexandra Schindler, Collections Registrar
