La Compagnie Robinson : Fine Handmade Leather Objects

By Natalie Sicard

Crafted from leather with natural tannins, the wallets, key holders, belts, cases, bags and folders produced at La Compagnie Robinson’s workshop in Brigham, in the Eastern Townships, are all entirely handmade. Simple lines designed with quality materials, for everyday accessories made to last and become more beautiful as they age.

Little by Little the Pattern Became Clear

Patrice Didier, the man behind La Compagnie Robinson, is a multi-talented creator who started out as an artistic director. Among other projects, he was responsible for the brand image, from design to photography, of DAVIDsTEA products. His expertise in this field inspired him to launch his own company.

Skillful with his hands, he also cherishes the idea of creating objects that combine beauty, strength and durability. While this self-taught artist was putting together his first handmade leather wallet, the family moved their home to the Eastern Townships in 2015. A year later, the company was launched.

Driven by “their wish to live closer to nature, in a rural environment, surrounded by farms, and wanting to be part of a community,” Patrice and his life partner, who also contributes to the creative process, first settled in Orford and then in Brigham, where their workshop adjoins their home. The couple gradually acquired different tools, particularly focusing on purchasing traditional hand tools. The pattern for each model is carefully thought out, the leather is then marked, cut out and sewn by hand and by machine, manual tasks that require patience and concentration. The end result is a collection of creations featuring minimalist lines that reflect the simplicity and principles of slow living and slow fashion: easing the pace, focusing on the essentials, favouring sustainable consumer practices; “choosing less, but choosing better quality objects.”

Vegetable Tanned Leather

Why choose leather as a raw material?

“I’ve always been attracted to antiques, wood objects that have developed a patina over the years, raw and noble materials which become more beautiful as they age. We love the idea that these heirlooms, handed down to us by our parents or grandparents, become part of our family heritage. And leather is one of these materials.” To ensure it ages well, they use a type of leather dyed using plant-based tannins, an ancestral, eco-friendly method.

“There are two main methods of tanning leather, mineral and vegetable,” explains Patrice. “85 % of the leather on the market is tanned using a modern process that uses mineral tannins such as chromium. This process is widely used because, among other reasons, it allows the leather to be tanned much more quickly. Vegetable tanning is based on natural tannins and takes 5 to 6 times longer than chrome tanning.” The end product is therefore also much more expensive, but this more traditional method is also eco-responsible.

The Company has opted for leather from an American tannery, Wickett & Craig, based in Pennsylvania, which uses only organic ingredients such as bark, roots, leaves and fruit to macerate the skins for 30 to 60 days in oak barrels, without any chemical agents. “Thanks to this process, the natural tannins give the leather a patina that becomes more beautiful with time, making each piece unique. It’s a bit like comparing an industrial beer with one aged in wine or whisky barrels,” continues Patrice.

This ally, perfect for their creations with their simple, lean lines, takes on the marks of its owner over time, somewhat like a second skin. Added to this is the fact that these accessories are so durable they can be passed on to the next generation, or kept as a family heirloom, a value that is dear to the craftsman’s heart. There’s a reason why the name Robinson, that of Patrice’s grandfather, was chosen for the company. It’s a nod to this man, with whom he loved to work with his hands and who’s no longer with him today.

As well as everyday accessories, most of which are designed for both men and women, they have developed a number of items for the home, including a wood and leather bench and an old-fashioned waxed cotton log bag. They will soon be launching bracelets. Would you like to see their creations up close? You can see the artisans at work every weekend in their workshop boutique on Principale street, in Sutton.

La Compagnie Robinson : Boutique-Workshop, open Saturdays and Sundays: 19, Principale St. Nord, #6, Sutton