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40 under 40: Meet Lucy Cushley

Monday, 13 March 2023


Lucy Cushley

Every Monday, we are celebrating one of our 40 under 40 makers.

This week we are talking to Lucy Cushley. A leatherworker based in Northern Ireland with a love for making bespoke bridles. Get to know her with our Q&A.


Tell us a bit about what you do?

A little bit of everything leather! One week you’re making a decorative cowbell for a BETA competition- the next you’re working on some restaurant menus. Whilst there’s always the steady influx of belts, dog leads and handbags to be repaired, creating new items of Saddlery and Harness are always floating around the workshop!

How did you get into making leather goods? / What, or maybe who inspired you to start making?

I was always the cray “horse girl” who was forever begging to get a pony and ride off into the sunset - so whilst I was waiting, I read all the books on horse care and of course saddlery because a bit of an obsession. It wasn’t until I was working at a yard and the owner asked me to make up a sheepskin seat saver for their saddle did it finally hit me that I could have a career in saddlery. Then a few clicks around google lead me to Capel Manor College and as they say, the rest is history.

What is your favourite product to make/favourite commission piece?

It's always the big bespoke harnesses that I love the most. Sitting down with customers, pulling out all the old reference book and creating something special. It gives them that real connection to the item and they can see the transformation from an idea in their head to their dream bridle!


What do you love most about working with leather?

How versatile it is and how it can be applied in so many different ways! Plaiting, square raises, wet moulding- leather is lots of fun to play with.

What are your next goals/ Have you got any exciting new projects lined up?

Goals: Master Saddler! It’s always the prize! As for projects, I’ve got some wonderful harness bridles for some gorgeous fell ponies! Its going to be an exciting one!

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a leather worker or who has just started out?

Beg, borrow, and plead to get into an established leather worker's workshop. You’ll see how they deal with customers, answer the phone, start on a project, pretty much how they run their space and business. Even if you spend the day sitting quietly in the corner observing, you will learn so much. More than likely, they’ll give you some amazing pointers

What does it mean to you to be included on the 40 under 40 list?

It’s always an amazing honour to be rubbing shoulders with the best of the best. Whilst I was sad to miss out on the workshop by Suzie Fletcher- it was great to be able to watch back, Abbeys recording to hear all her tips and tricks!

How important do you think it is to keep traditional techniques alive in the modern world?

Traditions hang around for a reason, especially when more time and effort has to be put into it! Many people undervalue the time and effort that goes into a totally handmade product. Handstitching in particular. When people first see the cost, their heads spin- but once you break down why – they’re won over


What have you done to keep relevant in a digital age?

Whilst a lot of people resist social media and an internet presence- it really shut you off from a worldwide audience. By flipping the camera, you can bring people from all over the world into your workshop and show your tools, techniques and makes to so many people. Plus, who knows – you might even be inspiring someone new into making a giant leap into starting their own business!

What is the biggest challenge to becoming successful in your discipline?

Keeping the balance between being a craftsperson and a business. Whilst I'd love to spend all my time creating things in the workshop- it’s reality that forces you to do marketing, send out invoices and do stock takes. The backbone of every business is their products, so on the flipside you can do all the admin you want, but if people don’t think your makes are quality, they won’t buy it!

For more information, please visit www.etsy.com/shop/SaddleryStudent
To join this network of great makers, please follow Lucy's Instagram page HERE