“It’s never too late to pursue your passion.”
Don’t be afraid to start something new later in life.
That’s the advice from Clare Chapman, winner of the 2025 Abbey England Scholarship for emerging talent working with leather.
“[It] isn’t just about the young, up-and-coming crowd,” she says. “There are many older people now turning to leathercraft, and I'd like to show that old dogs can learn new tricks.”
Based in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, Clare runs Clare Chapman Leatherwork making bridlework, leather accessories and steampunk leather clothing.
Clare trained at Capel Manor College and the Walsall Leather Skills Centre. Now she’s keen to expand her bridle and harness-making; working on heavy horse harness is her ultimate ambition.
Clare received £500 worth of Abbey England leathers and tools plus mentoring for her business as part of her scholarship prize.
Her winning work included a leather headcollar, a bridle with gold and plaited details, and a studded steampunk style leather corset and hat.
“I love what I do,” she says. “One week I could be making a hunt bridle, the week after that adding patent leather inlays to a dog collar. Recognising when to stick with tradition and when to embrace modern techniques never gets boring.”
Clare intends to use her scholarship bursary towards training in harness-making. She’s also been invited by Abbey England to attend a masterclass with Master Saddler Godfrey Morris.
Richard Brown, Abbey England’s CEO, led the team that judged the scholarship entries.
“We are always so inspired by the creative entries we receive, and how passionate entrants are in keeping heritage skills and crafting going in new and exciting ways,” he said.
“Clare’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue your passion — and that craftsmanship, at its heart, is about continual learning and love for the work.”
