Meet: Ruth Glen

We spoke with former UAL lecturer Ruth Glen, who runs a London-based studio that works with an extensive team of industry department experts. They specialise in designing, developing, and creating bespoke pieces, finding solutions and applications to create viable products.

After receiving specialist training at Cordwainers College and accumulating thirty-five years of experience in the industry, Ruth has worked in the private, commercial, and public sectors.

She has collaborated closely with UK and international designers, developing collections, ranging from High Street to Couture.

Tell us more about yourself and your background

My interest and passion for designing and making began in childhood, at a very young age. My father introduced me to leather through his home DIY projects back in the 70’s. One that I particularly remember was lining the front room shelves with leather. He usually brought back brown skins until one day, he came home after a trip to a leather market, enthusiastically saying “Ruthie I’ve got something for you”. It was a little gold skin. My eyes lit up, and a week later everyone had purses to store their parking coins in, made by a 10 year old.

After wondering what I could do after ‘O’ Levels, in 1981 at the age of 16, I attended a careers evening at a local school. A stand caught my eye, decorated with beautiful shoes and bags. Cordwainer's College was the name.  I immediately signed up for a 3-year course to specialise in handbags and accessories, covering the full spectrum of designing and making leather goods.

What did you study and how has that shaped your career path?

I graduated in 1983, and after winning the Tanner Krolle prize, with an award of LSDC from the Society of Designer Craftsman, I entered the trade sector. My first role at Bally was to make the prototype handbags to accompany footwear collections.  

In the mid 80’s I started working for Bill Amberg on some of his iconic pieces such as the ‘Rocket Bag’. This experience shaped my career and taught me so much. Not only the opportunity to work in a wonderful eclectic environment with a great bunch of people, but to experience true creativity and passion for design and make.

What are the future plans for yourself/your business?

My career in the sector has now exceeded 40 years and quite truly, enjoying every bit of it, working for many brands in a freelance capacity, and working closely with designers to bring together seasonal collections.  
Now I wish to pass on this knowledge, along with the sense of fulfilment that comes with making something of beauty, and the joy that can bring, 'The Art of Making'.   

With this in mind we have embarked on providing tuition, a facility to train, upskill and mentor new entries, in addition to our commercial services.

Can you tell us more about THE CCM - The Centre for Creative Making?

The CCM is established as a trade skill, preservation initiative, uniting a growing network of the best UK-based creatives, practitioners, educators and operatives throughout the supply chain. We support and promote the preservation of heritage trade skills across the leather and textile related industry sectors. Our core team and founder are specialists in the chosen fields with backgrounds in high-level commercial, B2B projects, design, bespoke, making, and manufacturing. 

The creative direction of the CCM is motivated by a deep commitment and dedication to, and belief in expansive innovation, operating in harmony with traditional craftsmanship and expertise.

To counterbalance the skills deficit, we aim to boost the U.K.’s declining skill base for creative manufacturing, through training, education, incubators, and creative manufacturing. By nurturing fresh talent and creating an environment where the skills and knowledge can inspire, we want to provide a wealth of opportunity for all; and to replenish the workforce to preserve the heritage and future of our creative industry. 

Commercially we link artisans, manufacturers, suppliers, designers and retail brands and educators to unite and showcase.

Educationally we encourage new entries of all ages, with focused training programs for graduates and young makers, college, students, and grassroots programs for children.