Anantapur Artisans Shine With Handmade Leather Bed Lamps

In a bedroom, bed lamps are usually crafted from glass or plastic. Some of these lamps are prone to burning out if left overnight. To avoid such issues, consider using handmade bed lamps.

These handmade lamps are crafted from pure leather with intricate designs, completely free of plastic components. They are not only visually appealing but also safe. These lamps, created by tanners, an endangered group of artisans are gaining significant consumer interest.

Giribabu from Ajay Gosh Colony in the Anantapur district, shared that his family has been crafting leather toys for three generations. These toys have been their primary source of livelihood. However, with technological advancements, the popularity of their craft has waned, leading them to diversify into leather goods.

As part of this shift, they began making bed lamps. Giribabu mentioned that around 15 artisans work diligently every day to create these lamps, with the painting process being particularly time-consuming. This effort highlights the artistry featured on each lamp.

He noted that these bed lamps are designed to be durable and affordable, with prices ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 2000, depending on the size. Currently, 15 family members are dedicated to producing these unique lamps.

Besides, two designers from the Netherlands have revolutionised sustainability by using mango peels, which are normally thrown away as waste, to create leather. The Dutch designers demonstrated a creative method for making leather from mango skins in a widely shared video. Mangoes, usually thrown in the trash, are saved from going to waste by gathering the seeds and pureeing the fruit instead of throwing it away.

Conventional leather production, on the other hand, releases dangerous chemicals into the environment, contaminating water sources and putting the health of residents and labourers at serious risk. Substitutes like fruit leather made from mangos fight food waste while also making the environment safer. This novel method lessens the environmental impact of conventional leather manufacturing, promising a more secure and sustainable future.