Arthur Bevan Harris, father of Richard Harris, has passed away.
Ian Arthur Bevan Harris of the Clyde Leather Company passed away on 26 October 2023, at the age of 87.
A graduate of Leeds University, Leather Chemistry, BSc Hons, Ian joined the family leather business in Leeds before the business was relocated to the Clyde Leather Company’s present site at Broadlie Works, Neilston, Glasgow in 1963.
The Clyde Leather Company grew rapidly, with products ranging from industrial gloving, suede splits and pigmented printed splits. All three products thrived due to consistent high quality and keen pricing. The finished splits became the principal product, supplying all the leading football boot and training shoe manufacturers.
For a traditional industry, Ian had an eye for innovation and was the first tannery operator in the United Kingdom to introduce roller coater padding machines, and the arrival of these at the tannery attracted great interest from the industry.
Ian greatly enjoyed the camaraderie within the leather industry and enjoyed his annual trips to industry fairs with his wife Liz, the Paris Leather Fair always being a particular highlight. Many long term friendships were forged and cemented during these industry events.
In the late 1980’s, Ian’s two sons, Paul and Richard joined the business and today the tannery still produces suede, pigmented and industrial leathers, tailor-making every customers’ requirements to produce a bespoke product worthy of continued existence within the British Leather Industry. The tannery is the only suede tannery in Scotland and has now been trading successfully for 60 years.
Outside of the leather industry Ian was a keen and accomplished sailor and was a well known figure on the Clyde and around the west coast of Scotland.
COTANCE offers its condolences to his wife Liz and his three children Nicola, Paul and Richard.