From small beginnings right here in Orange the Angus Barrett brand has built a loyal following all around Australia.

Their last catalogue went out to 20,000 subscribers and Angus Barrett’s leather products have gained a well-deserved reputation for quality of materials and workmanship.

Leatherwork has been a passion of Angus’ since he was a child and one he pursued while working on farms, cattle stations and mining camps around Australia. But it was 20 years ago, that he took a leap and launched his own business which continues to grow today out of his Orange-based workshop and Summer Street retail premises.

“In 2000, Angus went and bought himself a second-hand sewing machine, some leather and he set himself up — that's where it started basically,” said Amy Lyon, Angus Barrett’s Sales and Retail Manager.

“He was making things like belts, chaps, bridles, reins, gear bags for all the blokes in the rodeo circuit… and a lot of the products you'll see in our store today are core products that he has been making this whole time.”

Slowly, Angus added new equipment and brought on staff, but always with a focus on maintaining the quality of the end product.

“What we’re about and what we’re really focused on is quality, so our production runs are small and we really focus on the quality of each piece that comes out,” said Amy, who at the moment is only one of six members of the Angus Barrett team.

“It is just two of them in the workshop, Angus and Jimmy, and our finance manager Bec jumps in and she is quite good on the sewing machine as well.”

As well as being completely hands-on when it comes to the manufacturing and designing of his products, Angus’ attention to detail goes right through to selecting the raw materials for his work.

“That is a big focus of ours,” said Amy. “Angus has done a lot of travelling around Europe and the US, he's studied under other saddlers and other people in the leatherwork industry, he has visited numerous tanneries around the world to source the best raw materials that he can find. That is our starting point, you need to have good raw materials that are going to last.”

With years of personal experience behind him, Angus’ saddlery is made to endure harsh Australian conditions; be it extreme heat, soaking rain, or being dragged through mud.

The company’s slogan, ‘Designed to work. Made to last’ is one they take seriously, whether it be saddlery or their increasing range of handbags, wallets, dress belts and other leather goods.

“Angus’ personal interest and love are to do with horses and the rural industry, but a few years ago he started to go into leather goods and he created the Annabella Tote Bag – a beautiful, timeless handbag for ladies,” said Amy.

And since opening their Summer Street retail store in 2016, the leather goods range has continued to grow.

“We’ve started making more wallets and cardholders, dog collars, a large range of belts,” said Amy.

“Then in our bag range, we have small overnight bags and then bigger sizes — all heavy duty ripstop canvas refined with leather finishes. We also have toiletry bags, two styles of handbag and we are looking at expanding that range. We also have things like document holders and diary covers and they are pieces that people will have for life. It will last forever, and the leather will age beautifully.”

And, of course, at the Angus Barrett store you will find their full range of bridles, halters, reins, leads, saddle pads and more.

“And they are something designed to last years and years and years, which is the end goal for all of our products: designed to work and made to last,” said Amy.

To feel for yourself the quality of craftmanship that goes into Angus Barrett’s products, visit their store at 191 Summer Street or view their full range online at angusbarrett.com.au

Photos supplied by Angus Barrett