Joseph Lewis examines the rise of the local leather-dressing and gloving trade, from cottage industry to a nationally important enterprise. His talk will chart the trade’s impact on Yeovil, Milborne Port, Sherborne and the surrounding villages – and touches on some well-known local firms, such as Clothier Giles & Co, Ewens & Johnson, and Silas Dyke. He’ll explore a connection to a local football team and a introduce a star object from Milborne Port!

About the speaker: Joseph Lewis is Heritage Co-Ordinator at the South Somerset Heritage Collection, based in Yeovil. The centre holds 30,000 objects and 6,000 photographs reflecting the heritage of Yeovil and South Somerset.