Colleen Connell: How was the company founded?
Simon Harding: Originally the business was started by my father making leather handbags for our store here in Cork. He and his brother actually had a stand at Camden Market in London in the late 60’s/early 70’s where they used to sell their own handmade leather moccasins and belts. They had some famous neighbours including the Pepe brothers (Pepe Jeans) and Freddie Mercury! We then started making belts as we had so many requests for a handmade solid product. Although Celtic leather was not a new idea, we felt that there weren’t well made and well finished leather goods being made with a bold Celtic design. I felt that if we could combine a Celtic element with western style hardware and quality materials then we have a pretty cool product.

Colleen: What drives your passion for the business at Lee River?
Simon: In an age of mass production and consumption, it is very rewarding to put something out there that’s unique, durable and functional, made with your own hands. It gives me immense pride when a customer tells me how much wear and tear their belt has taken and how much they love it. Leather has always been a material that people grow attached to when well made, and my stuff has that extra little edge which makes it stand out.

Colleen: Describe some of what goes into producing fine quality leather products.
Simon: Quality consistent materials are essential, so my leather comes from one small tannery in Italy. I request thicker hides and although it’s quite stiff, the leather has a lot of oil which gives it that change of colour when embossed and allows it to soften with wear. The hides arrive at my factory ready tanned to my specific colours, where they are cut into strips, heat embossed, punched and edge dyed etc. before their specific hardware is then attached.

Colleen: What motivates you to come to work each day?
Simon: Being my own boss and knowing that what I produce, I can stand over. Working with a nice tactile material. Having the power to change things when life gets repetitive.

Colleen: What are your passions outside of the business?
Simon: I’ve lots of places still left to see, so travel (with a little surfing) will always be a big priority. I have friends spread all over so it’s always good to meet up, let loose and see where the conversation or situation leads! Maybe because we’re an island nation means that we enjoy exploration of both the cerebral and geographical kind!

Colleen: Does your location inspire creativity? If not, how do the creative processes work at Lee River?
Simon: Simple ideas are best, I just try and give it an extra edge without overdesigning. Working with a quality leather means that you already have something beautiful, but adding some strong design elements means you can put your own mark on it. Also, I think the Irish have a unique way of problem solving so we might not always look at things in an obvious way.

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