Marcella Toro & Alberto Toro

LEATHER: CRAFT AS ARTMATERIALS: Since 1974, we have worked exclusively with vegetable-tanned leathers. Vegetable-tanned means that the raw hides have been tanned with the extracts of oak bark. This is the traditional method of tanning as opposed to the chemical, synthetic methods most popular today. Unlike synthetically tanned leathers, vegetable-tanned leathers breathe and color naturally (patina). This tanning technique is costly yet environmentally friendly.METHODS: All of our work is completely done by hand; we use no machines. The tools are the simplest and most basic. We use up to four different weights of leathers in order to coordinate the solid structure and ultimate function of each piece. Our creative work includes one-of-a-kind handbags, journals, and furniture accessories such as ottomans, tables and benches. All of the handbags are lined with soft suede that adds to the quality. Each handbag is cut out by hand, piece-by-piece and sewn with a linen bees-waxed thread; the design is then plaited, using centuries-old techniques of Spanish braiding. The laces that we use for the braiding are hand-cut and then ‘cured’ with a special paste/oil and finally stretched to guarantee strength. The tables and benches are made of solid hardwood finished with tung oil, and then woven with heavy harness belt straps. Alberto designs, cuts, organizes and finishes every piece of work; Marcella braids every seam, strap and handle. Each finished product has been worked upon by both Alberto and Marcella; and each piece is unique.STATEMENT: Alberto was born in Colombia, South America, and is a self-taught master leather craftsman. Marcella, while living in Colombia, learned to braid and so their work began together. The work is handsome, functional, and made of the best quality leathers, and of superior craftsmanship: it is limited production. “Over the years we have chosen to continue our work simply, without studio production. We feel that it is our responsibility to make our living; and so we do it everyday, piece by piece with the rhythm of each day.”