ROBERT WITTHAHN
Artisan Robert Witthahn takes an innovative approach when creating his
fine leatherwork by using only exotic Australian leathers
Robert who lives with his family in Toowoomba, South-East Queensland,
started his leatherwork in 1989. His skill in working with leather stems
from his trade as a bookbinder, learned in his native Germany.
The variety of leathers that Robert uses in his work ,such as Kangaroo,
Crocodile, Sea Snake, Cane Toad, Emu and Barramundi are prepared, in
tanneries that operate under strict government control and environmental
guidelines.
Kangaroo skins are taken in accordance with an approved government
program.
Crocodile farms in North Queensland, although fascinating tourist
attractions provide the leather necessary for Robert's creations.
Sea Snake skins are a by-product of the Australian fishing industry.
Caught up in fishing nets, the dead Sea Snakes are kept for the
beautiful leather their skins produce. Sea Snake skin can only be traded
in Australia, however tourists who buy Sea Snake products may take them
out of the country as personal property.
Barramundi is a tropical fish caught in Northern Australia and is
regarded by many as a delicacy, however most don't realize the beauty of
the leather that can be produced from it's skin.
The unpopular Cane Toad is an introduced species which, unfortunately
has become a pest in Australia, doing much harm to the native wildlife.
However the creature does have one good use - it's skin makes very
attractive leather.
Emu leather is a relatively new addition to Robert's range of Australian
leathers. The leather comes from Emu's bred on Government approved
farms. Robert is constantly refining his skills to work with these
leathers and adding new and exciting creations to his extensive range of
high quality artifacts. His creations are highly regarded and admired by
many people.
