Tanner
Contents
Profession tanner
Previously there were tanneries and tanners in almost every city. Today there are not that many tanneries and the profession of a tanner is not taught so often any more. Leather production is a process which involves multiple processes. Therefore, there are many different jobs in a tannery.
Traditional tanners in London (www.colourlock.com)
An old saying: "In the leather procession the main thing is the stench: Lime, alum, salt, flour, arsenic make it quite white and beautiful. Egg yolks, piss and dog poop give it a special smoothness. Therefore, it is a high-sweet, the tender kiss on the white women glove. "
Many people associate with the profession of tanner stench and toxic chemicals. But these times are long ago. In the meantime, the modern tanneries are almost odourless and there is no need to worry about a shorter life expectancy. Some of the processes, during production require high physical strength. Leather skins of the cattle are large, soaked with water and therefore also very heavy.
Since the tanning is the handling of a natural product, tanning is always a challenge for the tanner. Many processes in the tanning industry have to be adapted to the natural material in the process in order to produce the best possible leather. Nowadays, the profession of a tanner is a profession with respect and a tanner must constantly expand his knowledge in order to keep up with the latest state of the art technology.
Vocational training for tanners
The education of the profession of a tanner is very depending on national regulation and laws. Local tanneries and the national leather institutes know the procedure. However, a basic school education and a well-developed technical understanding should always be available before starting this profession.
Leather technicians
A leather technician is above the tanner in the tannery hierarchy. A leather technician is more experienced and has more experience, better knowledge and greater responsibility. Also, this occupational title will be called and handled different in every country.
Tanner baptism - Tanner fountain
It is a tradition that tanner or leather technicians after their graduation go through the tanner baptism. This was done at a local well or in a large container. The graduates are immersed in the water in full dress. A humid-joyful event as a celebration of the successful completion of the education.
Additional information
Videos about the leather production
The leather production in a modern tannery.
The leather production with tannins of the oak.
Chamois leather production in Germany.
Tanning methods |
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Chrome tanning - Vegetable-tanned leather - Synthetic tanning - Tanning with fats and oils |