Marshall Langston Spring Leathercraft Workshops
On many days of the week there is a familiar tap, tap, tap at the tall timber tables in the Learning Room of the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre as Marshall Langston works away diligently with his hands and leather.
Eidsvold local Marshall lovingly crafts belts, bridles, reins and more with a steady hand, quick smile and eager ear to have a chat to interested visitors.
Marshall has spent many years in rural Australia as a stockman, drover and property manager using the leather items he now crafts today. Modestly describing his work as “doing the job”, his gleaming handmade leather belts or bridles wouldn’t look a step out of place in city board rooms or on a Royal Exhibition champions.
With patience and care, Marshall hand makes each of his items at the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre, very fitting built to honour and promote RM Williams, bush skills and culture. Turning his hand to teaching people interested in leathercraft, especially the younger generation, has given Marshall a thrill and confidence that the knowledge will be shared on.
In the last round of workshops, participants included many local children. Marshall marveled at how they jumped straight in, learning the difficult knots of a rope halter with ease, as other mature participants took a couple of tries to master them. As the students experienced, there is great pride in seeing a hide of leather, and in only a few short hours of hard work a piece of leather art that will last a lifetime.
Spring dates have been chosen and workshops on offer include rope halter, leather belt, leather belt with braid, cotton reins and leather bridle making workshops. Classes are limited to only 4 students, ensuring Marshall can provide hands on guidance and ensuring each student has an enjoyable and educative experience. Tuition, tools, material, morning tea and lunch is provided, and the joy at taking home your own completed product to show off was a delight to many.
The Spring Workshop Series classes on offer include:
26 September – Rope Halter making (4 hours)
10 October – Leather Belt making (4 hours)
17 October – Leather Belt with Braid (4 hours)
24 October – Cotton Reins (4 hours)
31 October and 1 November – Leather Bridle (8 hours over 2 days)
For more information or to register, please contact the friendly team at the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre on 07 41657272 or info@rmwilliamscentre.com.au