Sheridan Style Carving

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in hand-tooled leatherwork. Old saddles, riding gear and leather goods used by cattlemen and women over the past century have suddenly captured the attention of collectors and historians worldwide. Leather carving styles have developed over the years in various regions of the country, and the indigenous floral style is often the quickest and most effective means of categorizing a piece of leather work.

The recognizable forms and underlying character that make the Sheridan Style identifiable are found in the works of the men showcased in Sheridan Style Carving By Bob Likewise and Bill Gardner and Clinton Fay. The quality and application of these floral carving styles vary greatly but the Sheridan Style developed by Don King, Bill Gardner and several of the craftsmen who worked with them is worthy of praise and examination. It has had a substantial influence on the leather workers all over the world through the latter part of the twentieth century.

The Sheridan Style was sparked in the mid-fifties when Don King began work on the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association trophy saddles. Don has always given credit to those who have influenced him most, and feels that his work stems from the foundation of many good leather workers of the past. A few of the men that were influential to Don's floral carving at the early time were: Rudy Mudra, Cliff Ketchum, Lloyd Davis and John Ernst.

There have been several other leather carvers who have had a great deal to do with the continuation and development of the Sheridan Style floral carving. They are Chester Hape, Johnny Rawlings, Ray Arthin, Ed Jackson, Jim Jackson, Bill King, Clinton Fay, Don Butler and John King. These are the men that have worked on a steady basis, shaping and molding their own directions with their floral carving, having been heavily influenced by the demands and high standards Don King set so many years ago. The number of leather workers and saddle makers who have adopted the Sheridan Style of carving floral patterns is not so great that it makes it impossible to mention all the names of those who continue to influence and develop the Sheridan Style.

Sheridan Style Carving by Bob Likewise with Bobb Gardener and Clinton Fay
From the forward by James F. Jackson

Photos by Bob Likewise
webdesign by Daniel Arcos, www.danarcos.com