Alan Coulson is an award winning Hebden Bridge based artist who regularly exhibits work in the UK and US. Currently his work has been selected for the highly prestigious BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Alan’s portrait of Tommy, who makes belts for us, instantly impressed us. We are also tickled that Tommy is now looking down on the citizens of the capital from posters and banners all across the London Underground and outside the gallery itself.
Alan is encouraging Tommy to go and visit the exhibition which is open until 24th September, but Tommy has concerns about being able to park his van in London.
From the start of HebTroCo Tommy has been making stuff for us. We loved his work and Ed already owned one of his belts and a wallet. He hand made the first leather patches that went on the Founder moleskin trousers. Then he started to make belts for us from his workshop in Todmorden, just down the road from Hebden Bridge in the Calder Valley. The 100% British Garrison Belt has a solid, forged copper buckle that is made just for us. The belt strap, available in Walnut Brown or Black, is best quality, full grain leather from a Devonshire tannery. The bridal butt leather is finished with copper rivets.
We’re very proud of this unique British made belt and feel confident that it is something that owners will cherish for a very long time.