Inspire. Support. Create.
Bonner Leather
Hothouse Award
Crafts Council
2016
Bonner Leather Studio was launched in 2015, after a year of honing their skills in small business workshop they were accepted onto the Hothouse programme. They were supported and guided through the many challenges a new business faces by the Hothouse team and sponsored by Artisa.
“We have found the Hothouse programme intensive, and at times taxing, but the Hothouse team, consultants and partners have been supportive and guided us through the many challenges. Working within the Midland Cohort proved most beneficial. We have been supported, and supportive to, our peer group as well as being challenged, questioned and encourage in equal measure.”
While working through the programme, Bonner Leather reviewed parts of their practice - where and how their products were stocked and represented, and skills development. The Hothouse programme and discussions with Richard Paice highlighted their need to develop their skills and subsequently searched for funding to access a course with Valerie Michael and Neil McGregor in 2017. This allowed them to explore other areas of their practice: production development and wet folding, a collaboration with Jane Crisp and identifying funding for skills development such as QUEST.
Following their support from Hothouse and Artisa, one of Bonner Leather’s pieces was selected to be part of the advertising campaign for the GNCCF (the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) Manchester. They were also presented with a Spotlight Award from the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, while exhibiting at the GNCCF.
“Though the Hothouse programme officially ended in September, for us it continues. With the contacts we have made with the Cohorts, fellow makers, partners and consultants we have an expanding foundation on which to continue building on. No doubt we shall face new challenges, but they already seem less daunting as we have been furnished with an extended skill base that will prove invaluable as our practice grows.”
www.bonnerleatherstudio.co.uk
Inspire. Support. Create.
Bonner Leather
Hothouse Award
Crafts Council
2016
Bonner Leather Studio was launched in 2015, after a year of honing their skills in small business workshop they were accepted onto the Hothouse programme. They were supported and guided through the many challenges a new business faces by the Hothouse team and sponsored by Artisa.
“We have found the Hothouse programme intensive, and at times taxing, but the Hothouse team, consultants and partners have been supportive and guided us through the many challenges. Working within the Midland Cohort proved most beneficial. We have been supported, and supportive to, our peer group as well as being challenged, questioned and encourage in equal measure.”
While working through the programme, Bonner Leather reviewed parts of their practice - where and how their products were stocked and represented, and skills development. The Hothouse programme and discussions with Richard Paice highlighted their need to develop their skills and subsequently searched for funding to access a course with Valerie Michael and Neil McGregor in 2017. This allowed them to explore other areas of their practice: production development and wet folding, a collaboration with Jane Crisp and identifying funding for skills development such as QUEST.
Following their support from Hothouse and Artisa, one of Bonner Leather’s pieces was selected to be part of the advertising campaign for the GNCCF (the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) Manchester. They were also presented with a Spotlight Award from the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, while exhibiting at the GNCCF.
“Though the Hothouse programme officially ended in September, for us it continues. With the contacts we have made with the Cohorts, fellow makers, partners and consultants we have an expanding foundation on which to continue building on. No doubt we shall face new challenges, but they already seem less daunting as we have been furnished with an extended skill base that will prove invaluable as our practice grows.”
www.bonnerleatherstudio.co.uk