Kildare heritage
The DE BRUIR Atelier is located in the heart of ‘The Thoroughbred County’ of Kildare. This area is renowned for breeding some of the world’s finest race horses.
Since the end of the 19th century Kildare has been home to the state-run stud farm “The Irish National Stud” and hosts many other thoroughbred stud farms in the surrounding countryside.
From young foals to mature race horses, leather as a material plays an integral part in the life of every horse. Local craftsmen around Kildare have been making bridles and saddles for hundreds of years to supply the thoroughbred horse industry.
Leather as a working material
Equestrian Influences
The leather for the handles, skids and shoulder straps on our bags are all "Bridle Leather', as used on the horse harnesses and head-collars. Similarly all of our buckles and fixings are or a saddlery standard to ensure the longest working life.
Early stages of the bag construction can be stitched by machine, but later in the process, we use the more traditional 'Saddle-Stitch' for strength.
The hand propelled Pearson No.6 is a feature in all Saddle-making and Bridle-making workshops. The two disciplines are core influences on the workmanship in DE BRUIR.