About Dwight Matthews' Leather
I learned the basics of leather tooling while a patient in a VA hospital. That was many years ago. Since 2005 I have devoted full time to developing my skills. It’s fascinating because even after over two years working full time every project I tackle teaches me something new.Leather is one of the oldest natural materials known to man and is a byproduct of the beef industry. Decorating leather dates back into the Middle Ages when craftsmen used pure gold and precious stones to decorate it. Originally only geometric designs were used because of superstitions and religious taboos.
For may years leather work was a closely guarded secret that was passed down from father to son. No one but the favored son was allowed to even see how it was done.
When Cortez conquered Mexico in the 16th century the Conquistadores brought with them horses and the need for horse gear. The skilled craftsmen who followed were no longer constrained by the old taboos and soon began portraying the newly discovered lush tropical flowers.
As our West was settled the cowboys and ranchers couldn’t resist decorating their saddles, boots, belts and holsters with the new found artistry. Then in the 20th century the late, great Al Stohlman (1919-1998) pioneered adding color to fine leather work.