Martin Mešša
Processing leather and fur was previously established as a craft specialization in cities in Slovakia. Fur processing usually only survived as specialized home production in municipalities. In the twentieth century following WWI, but especially after 1948, many workshops ceased to exist. This was caused by industrial leather processing and also the cancellation of the private sector. The continuation of processing of leather and fur by individuals was supported by ÚĽUV from the mid twentieth century to preserve the craft. In May 2005 within the 8th symposium of craftsmen, ÚĽUV organized a meeting of producers, specialists and those interested in processing leather and fur, its history and documentation. We can characterize contemporary production as using both traditional as well as newer processes. Ján Krnáč and Ľubomír Medveď use mainly traditional processes and traditional products. Jozef Karahuta from Prešov focuses on producing leather shoes for folk groups; however, he also makes shoes for step dance and Latin dances, belts and horse accessories – collars, girths and reins. Jiří Halámek’s production is a shift to the aesthetic values of contemporary life.