Are you leather curious? Interested in larger issues of hand craft? Then you will enjoy this zoom presentation on the craft of hand paring leather. Both practical and theoretical aspects of hand and tool interaction will be explored. Leather is a three dimensional material, and selectively reducing the thickness is essential for making a well functioning binding.
I will begin by showing some historic examples of leather paring, then to demonstrate the process of paring vegetable tanned leather using just one knife. Have a seat, make yourself comfortable, grab your beverage of choice and a snack, then enjoy watching the relaxing progress of gradually paring leather. While working, I will attempt to narrate — like a homunculi in my head — some of the complex decisions that go on in this process. As the leather gets thinner and thinner, excitement will mount: will I ruin the skin by tearing it? Towards the end of the demo, there will be time for Q&A and comments from the audience.
This presentation is based on my recent article, On Tool Embodiment, and I encourage everyone to read it beforehand.
Jeff Peachey: The Craft of Hand-Paring Leather. Sponsored by the American Bookbinder’s Museum. Saturday November 12, 4pm EST. Zoom. Attendees will have access to a recording after the event.
Peachey Conservation 
Hi Jeff, I’m sorry to bother you about this but I’ve emailed the bookbinder’s museum now to two different email addresses (the original one bounced) and I am unable to get a reply. I registered for the event thinking I could watch the recording as probably unable to attend at that time. A link to the recording has not been sent and I can’t contact anyone. Do you have a contact I can email? Thanks for any help.
Hi Mer,
I’ve sent the contact info to you via email, sorry for the hassle!
Jeff
Hi Jeff. I’m having the same problems getting a link to the recording. I’ve sent 3 unanswered emails so far. Can you help? Thank you.
I’ve sent contact info to you, and will also contact the museum and try to get this sorted out. I apologize, but it is a problem on the ABM end. Jeff
If anyone else is having problems with this, I’ve notified the American Bookbinders Museum and hopefully they will take care of it soon. Again, apologies, Jeff