Saddlery Showcase

A highly anticipated event took place at Saddlers' Hall yesterday, attended by a number of Year 7 and 8s, many of whom are Saddlers' Scholars, it was an opportunity for our pupils to learn more about the intricate workings behind the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

Pupils got to watch the Master Saddlers and students at work on their benches making various saddlery items. The pupils also got to watch the following proffesionals at work; Line Hansen from Capel Manor College, Mark Romain of the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, Catrien Coppins from the Royal Mews as well as Suzie Fletcher of the BBC's The Repair Shop.  As well as this, both saddlery shops from the Kings Troop and Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment demonstrated their work. Pupils were lucky enough to meet with HRH Princess Anne who was also in attendence.

Ben, Year 8 student, said

"I got to learn more about the business of saddlery through all the stalls and the speeches, how complex making a saddle is and how talented the people making the saddles are!"

Toby in Year 7 said he was

"fascinated by the history of the company. I didn't realise it was so old, and I learnt the basics of leather working",

while fellow Year 7 student Anabelle shared,

"The saddles and all the leather work at Saddlers' Hall were so beautiful, and it was an incredible experience to learn more about how they were made."

Maxim in Year 8

"really enjoyed the Saddlery Showcase, from meeting HRH Princess Anne, to exploring the millennia-old trade of saddlery. It was very interesting to see the creative leatherwork and saddles."