Traces of a leather trade can be found in the Tarn region dating back to the Middle Ages. Leatherworks and tanning were established in Graulhet, along the Dadou River, making the town a capital of sheepskin, a material used in shoe linings. Today, the diversity and excellence of Graulhet's leather industry are recognized worldwide.
The history of leather is told in Graulhet
In the 19th century, a few dozen kilometers from Graulhet, Mazamet industrialists set up purchasing counters for woollen skins and sold them to the Graulhet tanneries. It was thanks to the technical innovation of stoking, which separated the skin from its wool, that the leathers were sold to the Graulhet tanners, ready for transformation into leather. At the beginning of 1900, 150 tanneries were producing in Graulhet, employing more than 3000 workers. Today, the sector represents 60 companies and 500 employees: tanneries, leatherwork and clothing workshops, machine tools, accessories and supplies, brokers and traders, and finally chemicals.
Now famous, the stretch leather invented by Cuir du Futur confirms Graulhet as an important place in global leather.
In Graulhet, we have leather in our skin
The event takes place every fall and there is no question of missing it: Graulhet, leather in the skin ! A unique opportunity to visit leather companies and meet professionals and enthusiasts, always happy to chat with those interested. It is also a good time to buy leather products “made in Graulhet”. Many of these companies, most often EPV labeled (Living Heritage Company) or LG extension (sustainable aspect of leather manufacturing), work and supply their noble material to major French Haute Couture houses. A chance to find a unique piece, worthy of the greatest fashion shows.
Where to find leather from Graulhet, or elsewhere?
All the secrets of leather goods are revealed in the Tarn, while letting you enjoy the craft shops to do some small shopping. In front of the wallets, card holders, bags and all the leather goods of impeccable quality, you can only fall in love! Sober and elegant lines for both men and women, buying in Graulhet is promoting the made in France and the Tarn know-how. Bandit Manchot creates beautiful accessories in exceptional resourced leathers, Maroquinerie Serres has been offering bags and wallets for 5 generations, Ateliers Fourès have been producing by hand since 1969, Frandi has 3 generations of experience.
Maroquinerie Serres
Baxo
Créations Herrero
Ateliers Glory
Cuir en Stock
Les Ateliers Fourès
Maroquinerie Frandi
La Cartablière
La Rue des Artisans
Kontrevent
When the small story meets the big one
Graulhet was the scene of an unprecedented strike: 147 days of strikes. The movement was initiated by women. They walked out on December 6, 1909 to demand a wage increase of 25 centimes. The men followed the next day and demanded a reduction in daily working time of half an hour, or 9 hours per day. As early as January, Jean Jaurès, MP for Tarn, gave his support to the movement. The mechanization of the tannery and leatherwork led to periods of unemployment. By reducing the working day, the workers and especially the unions hoped to restore a balance.
However, the employers were fiercely opposed to this demand. The leatherworks and tanneries restarted on May 2, 1910 after 147 days of strike. Only the women won their case.
2023 in the Contemporary Art Center Le Lait in Albi invited Richard Giacconi in residence in Graulhet to reflect on the working world. He delivers a sound walk for an immersion in the early 20th century.
Meet under the tree on Place Henri Merou, just across from the old Maison du Peuple. Put on your headphones and let yourself be guided through the streets of life to relive this moment in history.
