DEPARTMENT OF LEATHER DESIGN

Starting from the academic year 2024/2025, the curriculum name is Leather Product Design and Technology (former name: Leather Design and Restoration).

The curriculum of leather art, the predecessor of the current curriculum, was founded in 1965. From 2000-2013 the department was led by Professor Rutt Maantoa, 2013-2019 by Maila Käos, since September 2019 the Head of Department was Professor Rene Haljasmäe. The current Head of Department is since November 2023 Maila Käos.

The curriculum of leather design and restoration respects tradition, while encouraging students to seek out innovative solutions in both technique and design. Students gain competence in fields ranging from leather processing to book binding, conservation/restoration and the design of various leather products. Students can specialize in either leather design or conservation/restoration. The choice must be made before the beginning of studies.

The design track provides in-depth knowledge in the production and design of leather accessories, bags and clothes.

The conservation/restoration track is based on the vocational standards of conservators. Students acquire skills in restoring books of different covers and structure, paper materials and leather objects, as well as developing different conservation instructions.

Students work with clients and participate actively on exhibitions and competitions, where many students have won awards.

CURRICULUM

LECTURERS

The faculty include many recognized practitioners from Estonia and abroad: Hans-Peter Frolich, Michel Frolich (Germany), Jeff Clements (the Netherlands), Enrico Flaiani (Italy), Manfred Mayer (Austria), Illu Erma (Estonia), Stella Soomlais (Estonia). Principal faculty include Rutt Maantoa, Maila Käos, Tõnu Ojaperv, Kristel Suigussaar, Tiina Karu.

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