Timely question re: Hamley leather

[Sherry Lee]

This may not be the correct posting place, but it is important enough to go here. One of my customers is confronting the end of a battle with cancer. She's had special necklaces made for her granddaughters, but has six grandsons that she'd like to give something her husband was given years ago. This was a special very fine leather box made by Hamley in Pendleton, Oregon. It's about 8" long, 2" high and 5" deep with a gold clasp to open it's top. Hamley was sold years ago to Loren and Margaret Wood, but can't find the name of their company.

Does anyone in 'TGland' know anything about this company, or another leather company that sells or makes such things? I see the old catalogue can be bought, but she needs the product....even from someone else.

I'm asking all of you because many of you have knowledge of fine crafts other than framing.

Thanks much!

 

[Mel]

Sherry--

Hamley's is still named Hamley's. I believe it may have changed hands since the Woods. I know John Ryan, a Portland developer, owned it for a while. My husband tells me that there is all sorts of litigation going on over the ownership right now.

But that won't matter to you. We live 10 miles outside Pendleton on a wheat ranch; however for the school year, I am in Portland with my 16-year-old daughter. Tomorrow we are going home for the weekend, and I will visit Hamley's and see if I can find more information on the boxes. Last I knew, they were still in the business of leather products crafting, as well as all the other Western clothing and products they retail.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Marcia

[ 01-22-2004, 07:04 PM: Message edited by: Mel ]