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Pits in the Court of a Tannery (engraving)
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Pits in the Court of a Tannery (engraving)
XJF498571 Pits in the Court of a Tannery (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The leather tanning process requires pits; soak pits to wash and soften the hides, lime pits to remove hair, bate tubs where the lime was neutralised and the skin plumped up ready for the tan pits where the skins were soaked in a tanning liquor. ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 12916259
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Courtyard Hide Hides Leather Process Processes Production Skin Skins Tannery Tanning Trades Tradesmen
EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving, titled "Pits in the Court of a Tannery" takes us back to the 19th century when leather production was at its peak. The image showcases the bustling courtyard of a tannery, where workers are diligently engaged in various stages of the leather tanning process. The composition provides an intriguing glimpse into this labor-intensive industry, highlighting the essential pits required for each step. In the foreground, soak pits can be seen filled with water, serving as a vital tool to wash and soften hides before further treatment. Moving towards the center, lime pits come into view; these were used to remove hair from animal skins through a chemical process. As our eyes wander deeper into the scene, we encounter bate tubs where skilled craftsmen neutralized lime residues and plumped up skins for their final transformation. Finally, at the far end of this busy courtyard lie tan pits - large vessels containing tanning liquor that would give leather its desired color and durability. The image not only captures an important moment in history but also pays homage to those hardworking tradesmen who dedicated themselves to perfecting their craft within these walls. It serves as a reminder of how industries have evolved over time while showcasing both human ingenuity and resilience. This remarkable print is part of a private collection and offers us an invaluable window into an era long gone by – one that shaped our understanding of leather production today.
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