Be golden

Local leather worker and mother of three Louise Middleton of Golden Bear Belts creates original, wearable masterpieces from her studio in Bideford

Climbing the stairs to Louise Middleton’s lofty, sun-lit workshop seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bideford’s historic pannier market. The high-ceilinged space with white walls and exposed beams is that perfect balance of creative chaos and quiet productivity. Recently finished leather belts adorn the walls, while in a far corner Louise’s 16-year-old dog Ketchup is resting her weary bones on an oversized bed. Long work tables are covered with hand tools, stamp blocks and colourful paints – and Louise’s co-worker Jo is busy laying delicate sheets of gold leaf onto freshly cut leather. Louise takes me straight to her latest design, embossed with the phrase ‘Be Golden’ – referencing not only her four-year-old company’s name, Golden Bear Belts, but also her mantra. ‘It’s aspirational,’ she says. ‘It’s about being your best self. Signs, symbols and mantras adorn all of our belts, filling the wearer with positive vibes every time they buckle into their trusty pair of jeans.’ After selling a successful swimwear design company, Louise set up Golden Bear Belts four years ago. ‘I wanted to make something that everyone needs – men, women and children. A one-off. Something that will last a lifetime,’ she says. Louise has hit on a winning formula and Golden Bear Belts is taking the fashion world by storm. Stockists now include Tucker NYC, Celestine 11, Donna Ida, Liberty London, By Marie, Wolf and Badger London, Edition Japan, Art Wednesday and Secret Emporium. All of the belts originate here in Devon though, made by hand in the Bideford studio, using local materials and traditional techniques. Hand-drawn

illustrations are embossed and carved into leather, with details handstamped and painted, then gilded in gold, silver and copper leaf using a traditional Spanish technique. All of the hides are British sourced, some from Tapeley Park, the ecologically sustainable estate just two miles from the workshop. From there, they are transported in the Golden Bear truck to the local tannery – one of the last remaining in the UK, located on the banks of the River Coly in East Devon, which still uses processes unchanged since Roman times. ‘The tanning takes a slow, but vital, 18 months

‘Signs, symbols before the leather is dried, rolled and hand finished with oils and tallow, and mantras which prevents cracking and keeps the leather strong and rich in colour,’ adorn all of our Louise explains. belts, filling As well as selling her seasonal collections, Louise and her team of the wearer with craftswomen offer a bespoke design positive vibes’ service. Customers can visit the studio to talk through their design ideas, what colour leather and type of buckle they’d like, and any special personalised messages to be embossed on the underside of the belt. – Gemma Chilton

www.goldenbearbelts.com

Win

a Golden Bear belt!

You could be the lucky owner of a gorgeous bespoke leather belt from the Golden Bear Belts kids range, worth £45. Available in boys’ and girls’ styles, the winner’s belt can be personalised with the recipient’s name and with a personal message or even contact details on the underside of the belt. To enter, simply text “Enter Golden” and your email address to 66777. Closing date August 28, 2015. Standard SMS rates apply.