Blog
Meet the Maker – Tibor Eperjessy
Ahead of his workshop on March 24th, we thought an introduction to the skills of Tibor Eperjessy was in order.
Tibor was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary where he spent most of his holidays in a rural village, where traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, leatherwork, basketry and woodwork were still organic parts of every day life. He went on to train as a primary school teacher and started teaching young children, aged 6-10, who had a strong interest in traditional crafts.
After trying his hand at various different craft forms but not finding something that truly inspired him, he discovered a local leather craftsman`s exhibition and things began to fall into place… Tibor met a craftsman who made special horse harness ornaments, called ‘sallang’. Tibor went on to become his apprentice, and this is where he started his career in artisan leatherwork.
Tibor now works from his workshop in the New Forest and gains his inspiration from the material he works with day to day. The leather and hides and their unique texture, colour and even smell helps inspire and guide Tibor to his crafted end results.
When asked what inspired him, Tibor confessed that he truly admires old, traditional items that were made by unknown craftsmen of the past. Simple, practical, everyday items that are now exhibited in museums.
As well as working on his own creations, Tibor also regularly teaches. In addition to the session Tibor is leading at Making Space on the 24 March, he leads regular sessions at the OWL Town Farm Workshop: a centre that provides work-related activities for adults with learning disabilities. In 2018 he will also be leading creative workshops at Wyvern Collage in Eastleigh, New Milton Forest Arts Centre, West End Centre in Aldershot, The Farnham Maltings, and the Ashcroft Arts Centre.men of the past. Simple, practical, everyday items that are now exhibited in museums.
You can find and buy Tibor’s work in a variety of locations across the country; Arteria in Lancaster, Fisherton Mill in Salisbury, New Brewery Art in Cirencester and the Leeds Arts Centre. Those wanting more information on Tibor and his work should head to his website or Facebook page.
If you’d like to book a place on Tibor’s leather belt workshop, please visit the event page or give us a call/email.
