Leather work master is ready for show

By Djembe Archibald

Oct 5, 2023

Show ready: Jim Jeffery in his workshop, surrounded by his work. Photo by Megan Fisher

The Shepparton Agricultural Show is right around the corner and local leatherwork legend Jim Jeffery is gearing up to show off his skills and inspire the youth.

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Mr Jeffery first picked up leatherwork in his 20s, but as he grew up, he lost touch with his inner craftsman as he started in the dairy industry.

In 1976, Mr Jeffery returned to the craft, becoming a founding member of the Goulburn Vallery Leather Crafters.

He has made everything from hats to books, but loves braid work and hand stitching.

“I do love the braiding, making whips and so on,” he said.

“But I also love stitching pieces together by hand and using all the traditional equipment.”

Mr Jeffery will be attending the Shepparton show as a group representative, presenting an interactive display.

“We’ll have a table set out with what we’ve made, some just for display, some for sale and out the front will be a little bench where children can come along and stamp their initial on a little key tick for no charge whatsoever,” Mr Jeffery said.

“You can just dip your toe in the water for leather work.”

Leathersmith: Jim Jeffery’s work that he keeps in his workshop. Photo by Megan Fisher

He said that the club welcomes all — and is strictly a non-political and non-religious group.

“As a group we’ve met usually monthly and we meet at the Mechanics Institute,” he said.

“We’re like-minded people but different, there’s men and women and occasionally younger ones come along and they’re very keen.”

Leather work is an expansive craft, with everything from traditional work, such as saddles and whips, to modern pieces, such as books and purses.

Mr Jeffery encouraged anyone attending the show to come and learn about the craft and local club.

“The public are welcome to come to our meetings and we won’t charge you a subscription or anything for the first couple of meetings but we’re happy to show people the basics,” he said.

Craftsmanship: Jim Jeffery’s work, a hat with a mini whip as the strap and a leather purse. Photo by Megan Fisher

“We’ve been in there for ever and a day actually and sometimes we get people and sometimes we don’t, but it’s not a real mainstream thing but everyone is welcome, always.”

If you want to learn more about the GV Leather Crafters or Mr Jeffery’s journey, head to the Shepparton Agricultural Show next week to catch up with him.