Ron celebrates 70 years in the leather industry and counting
Date Published : 08 February 2010
Walsall Leather Museum demonstrator Ron Hawkins might have started work in 1940 but he shows no signs of retiring from the industry he loves as he prepares to mark his 70th anniversary in the trade.
Now a sprightly 84-year-old, the pensioner is a valuable member of the museum's team passing on his extensive knowledge and expertise to visitors as a demonstrator.
He said: "I absolutely love it and I have no plans to retire. It's something that's in my blood and I view it more as a way of life and a passion than a job.
"There is never a dull moment and it's great being able to pass on some of my expertise to the numerous people who come through the museum's doors from chats with others who have worked in the leather industry, or had relatives in the trade, to schoolchildren."
Ron started work as a trainee currier at ET Holden in Park Street, on the site of the Saddlers Centre, in February 1940 at the age of 14 taking home a wage of eight shillings and six pence. His job was to turn the raw animal skins into leather.
He was just one in a long line of family members to work in the leather industry and has traced his family's links to the industry back to 1856 and his great great grandfather.
In 1943 he joined the RAF as a Wireless Operator for four years, during which time he married his late wife Muriel, before returning to Holden’s.
Over the years he became a highly respected member of staff at the firm even meeting Mr Gucci himself when he visited the factory who were supplying pig skins to the famous Italian fashion house for items such as handbags.
He continued with Holden’s until 1970 when the company relocated to Scotland and moved to J & E Sedgwick in Pleck who are still in business today. He remained with the company until 1988 when the Leather Museum opened and he became a demonstrator.
Walsall Leather Museum was opened by Walsall Council in 1988 to reflect the leather industry's importance in the borough which continues to this day with over 40 companies still in existence.
Mike Glasson, Walsall Museum curator, said: "Ron, like all of our staff is very knowledgeable about the leather industry and it's great for the museum's visitors to be able to speak to someone who holds so much information.
"It is people like Ron who make sure the leather industry's heritage and importance to the town is not forgotten and everyone here really respects his dedication and passion for the leather trade."
Leatherwork demonstrations take place at the museum on Tuesday to Saturdays.
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For more information call the museum on 01922 721153.