Bill Webb, a master leatherworker, is on a mission to preserve the ancient art of leather plaiting, a craft that has been passed down through generations. With a humble background, he learned the trade from the legendary bushman Reginald Murray Williams, known as RM Williams. Webb's dedication to teaching and his commitment to keeping the craft alive have earned him recognition as one of Australia's finest craftsmen. His work has traveled to Brazil, England, Italy, and the United States, and he has won multiple Dame Mary Durack Awards for Outback Crafts, a prestigious recognition in the leatherwork community.
What sets Webb apart is his passion for teaching. He believes that the art of leather plaiting is a legacy that should be shared, and he takes pride in passing on his knowledge to others. During a workshop at the Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall, Webb teaches five women the art of making stock whips, a traditional bush tool. His teaching style emphasizes patience and the importance of focusing on both the visible and hidden aspects of the craft. He stresses that 70% of the work happens before the first strand is ever plaited, requiring precise cutting, stretching, trimming, and beveling of each strip of kangaroo leather.
The workshop is a testament to Webb's belief in the importance of sharing knowledge. He encourages his students to learn and teach others, ensuring the survival of this ancient craft. The participants, like Jane Henley, a hairdresser from Tully, are eager to learn and create their own whips, passing on the knowledge to their husbands who still use them for mustering cattle. The workshop organizer, Kimberly Carey, shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing the value of preserving practical bush skills that are slowly disappearing in the digital age.
Webb's legacy is not defined by awards or accolades but by his dedication to teaching and preserving the art of leather plaiting. He hopes that his efforts will ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn and appreciate this ancient craft, keeping RM Williams' dream alive.
