1st December – Saturday 12 noon
This auction comes from a private collection from Sydney Leather Tanning family firm. The books focus on leather treatment and manufacturing and covers all aspects of leather craft, from chemistry and dyeing to industrial plant design. This is likely Australia’s most comprehensive private library on tannery science.
The leather industry played and still plays an important role in Australia’s manufacturing history. The earliest instances were in settlements of New South Wales but also developed in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
In 1810, under Governor Macquarie, local industries such as flannel, linen cloth, leather preparation, kangaroo skins for export, began to develop due to poor-quality leather imports from England and a rising cattle population in New South Wales. (Walsh)
By 1821, the main cattle market was in Sydney, home to several small tanneries, including the largest one owned by James Wilshire, operating from 1803 to 1861. Wilshire’s tannery processed local hides and produced leather, and related products including soap, candles, parchment, and glue. (Walsh) Convicts need two pairs of shoes annually and so saw the development of Australia shoe making. (MHNSW)
In 2021, Australia produced approximately 29.6 million hides from cattle, sheep, goats, kangaroos, and deer. Australia exported a significant portion of these skins and hides to 39 countries, with 80% of the exports going to China and 9% to Italy. (AHSEA)
Highlights from the library
Manufacturing
Principles of Leather Manufacture by Procter (Lot 153). This book explores leather manufacturing from prehistoric to modern times. Henry Richardson Procter (1848-1927) was a British chemist, known for his work in the chemistry of tanning processes in leather production. Procter was a descendant William Richardson who had a tanyard in Ayton during 17th century.
Many Sample books
The most beautiful is Dressing: including dyeing staining and finishing by Morris Charles Lamb(Lot154). Lamb was Director of the Light Leather Department at the Technical College before the Second World War.
Trade Catalogues
A good number including industrial milling and textile machines, shoe and tool companies. Office favourite is Shoe catalogue from British Footwear, Leather and Allied Products (Lot 158).
Also included: 1899 Slocomb Tanneries and Curriers Machinery( Lot 122); 1904-1910 Thomas Haley Engineers (Lot 123) ; 1920s Schumacher Mill Furnishing Works(Lot 124); 1979 Selby’s Scientific Instruments(Lot 295).
Wattle Tannin
There are a number of books on wattle tannins including Wattles and Wattle-barks: being hints on the conservation and cultivation of wattles, together with particulars of their value 1891 by JH Maiden (Lot 299).
The bark from wattle trees were used in tanning industry as they have suitable tannic acid and have a “natural resistance to pests, which precludes the need for any pesticides, resulting in an extract that is free of toxins and completely organic.”(Mimosa; Wattlebark)
Eucalypts
Eucalyptus also have suitable tannic properties. This is the best copy I have seen of A Research on the Eucalypts: especially in regard to their essential oils by Richard T. Baker and Henry G. Smith it is signed and inscribed by Baker. (Lot 151)
Book Binding
Lastly, for the book lovers our there we should also mention Lot 308 Bookbinding and Leather Binding.
When Saturday1st December, 12:00 PM
Where Timed auction (online only)
Viewing 10am – 4pm weekdays
At Sydney Rare Book Auctions Dalgety Square at C11/372-428 Wattle Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007
Bidding absentee, on Invaluable and on our website.
Absentee bids are due by email at 3pm, Friday 29th November (Sydney Time).
Questions welcomed. Please get them in before 3pm, Friday 29th November (Sydney Time).
