A letter from Bede | the craft of Fatherhood
On this Father's Day we are reminded of the significance of the figures who have nurtured us and provided kind strength to depend on.
When I think of my childhood, many memories of my father emerge. It seems that he always had a project on: from woodworking to renovating our family home; to growing gardens, working on farms, and building fences. My dad was a maker at heart. A real ‘do it yourself’ kind of handyman, lessons from my dad have come into their own during my working life, with making and inventing being such a big part of what I do every day.
Life as a leather craftsman has always been very much intertwined with my family life.
Jemima and I have five sons who have grown up around the workshop and store, witnessing conversations about our businesses, details of design, or the finesse we are seeking with one project or another.
We have a rather strong bond with objects of quality. To us, crafting with our hands is a chance to bring quality into the world, things that people can get some joy from interacting with everyday. These endeavours are not isolated. Rather they are supported and guided by others in our lives, including our fathers, who have been such inspirations to me and Jemima.
In many ways our Saddler & Co project has been a family one with seeking to create a personal tradition of making things both beautiful and useful - and just as importantly providing a place where people can practice this ethic, passing it down the generations.
Personally, I have found fatherhood to be a joyous responsibility and an endless challenge. The hope and expectations come with embedded worries: will I really be a good dad? But there is always a potential to fulfill.
Starting on the journey of fatherhood, or reflecting upon it, there is always a chance to be intentional about the energy one puts into the world. And our thoughts must surely turn to legacy; of passing on the most important skills and knowledge that we deem worthy and essential for this young person's future good. It starts simply, in the quiet moments sharing our skills with patience.
Building a foundation of craftsmanship and integrity for whatever path our children choose is a practice tied to the small, teachable moments of each day.
Although my own life is a story of family ties, perhaps the prerogative I feel is for all kinds of people, knowing the blessing of a good father is not universal. Sometimes the story is one of loss, a painful absence, or past hurts. Even from such sadness we see people make the courageous choice to live out their potential as well as they can. Undeterred, learning from the traits that have been so inspiring in the positive role models of father-figures in our community.
These are the men who embody both gentleness and also strength; courage and patience; discipline, playfulness, and hard work. These are the men who create ties of belonging. Nurturing an example of kindness and integrity and craftsmanship into the everyday moments. Reliable, honest, men who would help a random stranger who is in trouble or distress; builders of community, who show honour to all.
It is a lot to live up to - but we can start with today, spending time with family. And we can go on with the working week ahead, living out each day with these values in mind.
For those people who are fathers or father figures, keep doing the good job that is in your heart to do.
A big thank you from me for doing so. And happy Father’s Day.
- BEDE ALDRIDGE, Founder, Father, & Saddler
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Photography by Jemima Aldridge in our home workshop with our son and nephew.