Elaine Chan-Perryman

Atelier Wolfson

Leatherworker

For the love of leather

Elaine hand stitches free-form leather vessels
She is committed to using high-quality, natural and vegetable-tanned Italian leather
She was nominated as a rising star of 2024 by Homes & Gardens

Elaine Chan-Perryman, an Amsterdam-based leather artist, found her calling in an unexpected encounter. Though always creative as a child, she pursued an academic career and found that she missed the hands-on experience of making tangible art. In 2012, a chance meeting with a horse and its owner in England changed everything. When Elaine admired the horse’s bridle, the owner became emotional. She shared that her grandfather, a leather craftsman, had made it and recounted its history. Deeply moved by the story, Elaine felt an instant connection to leathercraft. This encounter led her to research where the grandfather had studied, and soon, she found herself enrolling at the same school. From that moment, Elaine’s path was clear and she embraced the craft that had chosen her.

Interview

Which materials do you use?: I use natural, vegetable-tanned Italian leather. Each hide comes with a traceable guarantee certificate, ensuring accountability and sustainability. These high-quality skins are by-products of the food industry, from humanely treated, responsibly raised animals.
What does 'well made' mean to you?: Well made means crafting items with a spiritual presence, reflecting the maker’s aesthetic, effort and devotion. It is about creating pieces that will always be relevant, resonate with others and express my inner thoughts and world profoundly.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?: Being nominated as a rising star of 2024 by British magazine Homes & Gardens after my debut collection. I was unsure how well my work would be received, but this boosted my confidence and opened up numerous opportunities, motivating me to continue creating.
What are your sources of inspiration?: My inspiration stems from self-expression and cultural identity, with influences from my mixed Chinese and British heritage and life in the Netherlands. It is my way of understanding where I belong. Nature, interconnectedness and philosophy are also major themes in my work.

Elaine Chan-Perryman is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2012