ISS Institute Fellowship Report: Contemporary Design And Leatherworking In Italy.pdf

Isabella McRae, an Australian leatherworker, received an ISS Institute Fellowship to explore contemporary design ideas meeting traditional leatherworking practices in Italy. The Fellowship, supported by the Italian Australian Foundation, aimed to enhance McRae's skills and knowledge, fostering industry growth and innovation in Australia.

McRae, specializing in leather accessories and furniture, sought to deepen her understanding of Italian leatherworking traditions, as her practice is heavily influenced by her Italian heritage. Despite high demand for Australian-made leather products and interest in leather tuition, no formal training organizations exist in Australia.

During her Fellowship, McRae visited leather schools, academies, and private studios in Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan. She engaged in specialized courses, learned new techniques, and absorbed contemporary Italian design aesthetics. She also networked with industry members, suppliers, and training institutions.

The Fellowship's intangible learnings included exposure to a cohesive leatherworking community, inspiring McRae to establish a formal leatherworking body in Australia upon her return. She also attended industry fairs like Artigianato e Palazzo, Mipel, and Lineapelle, gaining insights into global leather trends and markets.

McRae's Fellowship aimed to bridge the gap between traditional leatherworking and contemporary design, fostering innovation and skill development in the Australian leather industry.