From the Scottish Highlands: Iseabal Hendry’s Story
In this Craft Journeys feature, we meet Iseabal Hendry — a maker whose practice blends leatherwork, woodwork and weaving, all shaped by the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands where she grew up. From a childhood spent crafting in her own tiny shed to studying boatbuilding and textile design, Iseabal’s journey is rooted in tradition, place and purpose. Now a QEST Leathersellers’ Company Emerging Maker, she shares how her skills continue to evolve as she deepens her connection to craft and culture.
Can you introduce yourself and your craft practice?
My name is Iseabal Hendry and I live in the rural west coast Highlands of Scotland, where I grew up. My practice combines leatherwork, woodwork and weaving natural materials.
What was your first introduction to craft and making?
My parents house has always been filled with handmade furniture and tools, willow baskets, locally made ironmongery – you name it. Growing up in an environment where handmade items were cherished and used daily has ingrained within me a love of craft. My dad used to encourage me to help him out in his woodshed when I was little, and even gave me a tiny shed of my own to display and ‘sell’ my creations.
Can you share the key steps in your journey?
As part of my final year in school I studied traditional clinker boatbuilding, before going to college for a year to do a portfolio course. College was hugely impactful for me in learning more about myself and my artistic practice. It was what led me to study Textile Design at the Glasgow School of Art, which was not something I’d even considered before.
Since graduating I’ve furthered my practice and skills through a series of different short courses. Some of these have included traditional saddlery leatherwork, steam bending green wood and willow weaving. All of these crafts speak to me in different ways about my heritage, culture and landscape, and are a way of connecting with a deeply important part of myself.
I’m now the lucky recipient of a QEST scholarship where my learning continues, and as it does I see my practice develop and evolve too.
