Leather

Medina

Medina is a technique of creating tapestries from discarded leather leftovers. By embracing the irregular shapes of these scraps, typically considered waste, each Medina tapestry develops a unique, non-repetitive pattern. The inherent imperfections of the leather are celebrated, creating an apparently uniform yet ultimately singular effect, free from repetition. Each individual tapestry created using this method is also known as a Medina.

Making process

The Medina process transforms discarded leather scraps and industry leftovers into unique, pixelated tapestries through a meticulous sequence of cutting and gluing; it begins with the careful selection and organisation of leather scraps, salvaged from various sources, and large or unsuitable pieces are trimmed to manageable sizes. These prepared leather pieces are then glued onto a textile backing, creating a base layer that establishes the overall texture and colour palette of the tapestry. Once the initial layer is adhered, the entire sheet is precisely cut into strips, a critical step in achieving the signature pixelated effect. These strips are then reorganised and glued onto a new backing surface, allowing for the creation of a deliberate, pixel-like pattern where the individual leather pieces act as the 'pixels' of the image. The completed tapestry is then refined, with edges trimmed, and any necessary adjustments made to ensure a clean and cohesive final product, the focus remaining on showcasing the unique textures and colours of the repurposed leather, arranged into a distinct pixelated composition.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.