Leatherworking with Robert Mercer

📅 11am–4pm, 45 minute lunch break included (please bring your own lunch, teas and coffee will be provided throughout)
📍 Groam House Museum Store Rosemarkie (it's on the right side next to the Spar)

Whilst these workshops are offered on a Pay as you can basis, we do have to ask for a minimum contribution of £10 to reserve your spot. More information about the Pay as you can system, regular workshop costs and more, if you scroll down.

Explore the ancient art of leatherwork with award-winning artist and maker Robert Mercer. Inspired by historic brooches from the Black Isle, you’ll shape, mark, and finish your own functional leather item using natural vegetable-tanned leather and traditional methods.

What’s included:

• All leather, tools, and materials provided
• Hands-on tuition from Robert
• A unique handmade leather object to take home

No prior experience needed, but good hand dexterity is helpful. Suitable for adults.

Robert is an award winning artist, maker, and craftsman who's work spans photography, leatherwork, green woodworking, furniture making, drawing and painting, and upland conservation.

This event is part of an exciting programme featuring 13 storytelling sessions and creative workshops running from October through January, generously funded by Museums and Galleries Scotland.

Each event is inspired by objects from our local history collection, using them as springboards for stories, crafts, and conversations. The aim is to bring the collection to life, showing how it connects to our lives today and continues to inspire creativity in our community.

We believe everyone should have the chance to learn and create — which is why these workshops are offered on a Pay What You Can basis.

How it works

Each workshop costs around £80 to £120 per participant to run.

This covers:

• Fair pay for expert instructors (workshop and preparation time)
• All materials and tools
• The use of the space with staff or volunteers in attendance
• Tea, coffee and refreshments

We ask participants to contribute what they can towards these costs.

👉 Minimum contribution: £10 to reserve your place

Why we set a minimum

Places are very limited, and each workshop involves significant preparation. A small minimum contribution helps us:

• Keep the workshops going
• Avoid last-minute no-shows
• Ensure everyone who books really wants to attend

Booking

If you need support or have any questions about pricing or access, you can send us a message, we'll be happy to help.

A shared creative experience

Your contribution helps us pay artists fairly, keep heritage crafts alive, and make these workshops welcoming to all.

Thank you for helping us build a creative and caring community at Groam House Museum.

If you have any questions, please get in touch via Eventbrite or at aila.schafer@groamhouse.org