OCR Text |
Show Volume V, Issue VIII THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 9 February 1, 2002 Saddlery—A Fine Art Saddlery a fine art? The term “fine art” for most people conjures up images of paintings and sculpture. Some would say, a far cry from sad- Miniature Saddle dlery. But, spend even a few moments looking at the miniature saddles, full size saddles, bridles, chaps and other beautifully crafted leatherworks—the fine art of saddlery—produced by Huntsville artist Glen Thompson, and you will agree—a fine art indeed. Glen Thompson began leatherworking his sophomore year at Weber High School with instructor Eldon West. During his junior year Glen worked for the saddle company, J. G. Read Brothers, which was founded in the 1800s. In 1956, while still in high school, Glen began a four-year apprenticeship under the master—Delmar Hodson. This instilled in Glen the value of quality workmanship and the mastering of each detail. Working for six weeks at a time he covered only stirrups, for the next six weeks he moved to another task until he had mastered them all. After completion of his apprenticeship, Glen established Thompson Saddlery in 1960. The supreme workmanship in his saddles and leatherwork has not gone unnoticed. One of his saddles was displayed at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. After its display, the Utah Arts Council purchased the saddle, which features a dozen ornate beehives throughout its design. Today it is on display in the main lower level court at the Utah State Capitol. Ballet West commissioned Glen to craft a saddle to be presented as a gift to Utah Governor Norm Bangerter. For the last ten years, Glen Thompson is the man Miss Rodeo Ogden and Miss Rodeo Utah seek out to create, not only their saddles, but bridles and chaps as well. Each year Glen creates a beautifully stitched and decorated saddle for the Miss Rodeo America Contest. This work of art is then used to raise money for the pageant’s scholarship fund. Glen crafts specialty saddle-bronc-riding saddles for cowboys throughout the U.S. Glen has also made a few trick saddles and created one for Steve Spencer, a physical therapist for children with disabilities. Glen believes the key to a good saddle is fitting both the horse and rider. In addition to saddles, Glen creates all sorts of tack, including bridles, halters, saddlebags, breast collars, and chaps. After seeing a pair of woolies in an old catalog dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s, Glen was able to acquire a pair, and from that recreate the chaps using Icelandic sheep wool and Angora goat. Using stamps and free hand designs, Glen can create unique and individualized pieces. Glen and his wife Janet have four children; two boys and two girls. Three of them carry on their father’s saddlery tradition. In addition to teaching his children the art of saddlery, Glen, in association with the Utah Arts Council, became the first master teacher of leatherwork. He has trained eight students in a one-on-one apprenticeship program, and with new applications coming in, will be training additional students. Glen Thompson finds saddlery a challenge and a great satisfaction. Glen’s quality of workmanship, his designs, and beautiful artistry unite the past and the present. Glen Thompson, a modern day master, creates fine art with more than just an aesthetic purpose. Meet the Artist An artists’ reception featuring artists Glen Thompson and Steve Johnson is schedule for Saturday, February 16, 2002 between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. at Wilkerson Fine Art, 550 S. 7800 E. Huntsville, Utah. For more information contact Kris Wilkerson at (801) 745-9557. |