“It doesn't matter how modern I try to be, it doesn’t work. There's always something that of an old spirit, I suppose”
Justin Capp at work in his Northamptonshire studio.
Leatherworker Justin Capp works from his studio in Thurning, on the Northamptonshire–Cambridgeshire border. His work combines traditional leatherworking techniques with an instinctive approach to making, drawing inspiration from mythology, history and the natural world.
How did you first get into leatherwork?
I was originally a cook. I saw some patterns on leather at a small makers' market in Wales. It was the first time I'd seen designs on leather that weren't done through a manufactured process.
I contacted the maker, and she suggested I find somewhere in Northamptonshire, being the home of leathercraft. I started doing night school when I was 22, and by 25 I'd handed in my notice. I always joke that I retired at 25.
Tell us about your creative process.
Part of it is very much led by the randomness of the moment and instinct. I'll cut some rectangles out and see where it goes. Then a piece of paper might come out, the ruler might come out, and I start getting really graphic about measurements.
Although I'm quite an organic person, leatherwork as a craft demands precision. You do have to do an awful lot of precise drawing and mapping things out.
How would you describe your style?
My style is quite rustic, with a sort of mythical feeling. It doesn't matter how modern I try to be, it doesn't work. There's always something that seems to look like an old spirit, I suppose.
What keeps you making?
I like making, I like creating. I like realising something from just a creation in my head, not even having a particular plan about how I'm going to do it.
It's the best bit and the worst bit, because it's a bit like a rollercoaster. You feel like you've suddenly hit on something, but you could go round a corner and the whole thing might go horribly wrong again.
You can have a very exciting moment followed by a very disappointing moment, but the important thing is to continue.
Best advice you've ever got or given?
The best advice is definitely to be authentic about what it is that I want to do. I sometimes fall into the trap of being pragmatic, which is probably not what I should be doing.
I think you have to follow where you find the joy in it. Where the joy goes, energy flows, and you have that energy to it. Otherwise you're always kind of fighting against it.
What does good craftsmanship look like?
To me it looks like originality. I'm not a great one for achieving perfection.
I often show people an old saddler's tool bag that I bought at auction. It's from the nineteenth century, I think. They all love it, and nothing is perfect about it. There's wonky stitching, there's repaired areas.
I think good craftsmanship involves authenticity and originality, not perfection.
What brought you to the Notswolds and what keeps you here?
I was born here, along with both my parents and three of my grandparents.
I love the fact that I can have this much space and look out over grass fields from every window in this workshop. I also love growing things, having a garden and being able to step outside.
What is a luxury you never take for granted
Being outside in nature. The first thing I'll do in the morning is make a coffee and go outside straight away. I love being in nature in all its forms, whether it's a beautiful summer day with plants and flowers and trees, or lying in bed listening to a storm.
I think if you don't have enough access to nature, you're divorced from a sort of primary human experience. You become completely detached from being alive.
Justin’s recomendations for living in the Notswolds
Walk Sulehay Woods, near Wansford - beautiful wildflowers, bluebells and wild garlic.
Pub The Montagu Arms at Barnwell or Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, built into the caves beneath the castle
Lunch The Pheasant at Keyston
Day out Rushton Hall. I've been studying Thomas Tresham for a project of my own and I'm fascinated by all the hidden symbolism running through the building.
