Interview with Lucile: Passing on the Passion for Leatherworking to New Generations

In the world of craftsmanship, leatherworking is a demanding art that blends tradition and innovation. Lucile Béraud, a leatherworking teacher at Eugène Guillaume Vocational High School in Montbard, enthusiastically shares her experience and commitment to passing on this ancestral knowledge.

A Journey Built Around a Passion for Leather

Lucile, 25, has always been drawn to working with leather. After earning a professional baccalaureate in leather trades with a specialization in leather goods in Issoudun, she had the opportunity to intern in artistic leathercraft, at Louis Vuitton, and in shoemaking. After obtaining her diploma, she founded her workshop to refine her skills by creating custom-made bags.

Opening her business allowed her to host students as interns, providing her first experience in knowledge transmission. In 2021, the principal of Eugène Guillaume High School offered her a teaching position. "Being in a constant search for growth, I immediately accepted this new opportunity," she recalls.

A Demanding Profession, an Essential Transmission

For Lucile, leatherworking is a fascinating trade that requires precision and perfection. Teaching allows her to share this passion while acquiring new skills. "It became evident that working in this field helps me grow," she explains.

She emphasizes the importance of passing down artisanal knowledge. "Leatherworking has been practiced for millennia. It is essential to preserve it while adapting to new technologies."

The Challenges of Transmission

Passing on skills goes beyond technical teaching: "It is also important to transmit passion and high standards—this is the key to success." She believes that a teacher's involvement plays a crucial role in motivating students: "Young people approach learning based on the person teaching them."

Her greatest satisfaction? Seeing her students' pride in their work. "Their smiles when they succeed are incomparable."

Preserving and Promoting Artisanal Expertise

Among the techniques she values most, Lucile highlights bag assembly and English edging, a finish requiring great precision. "There will always be a need for skilled hands to sew."

She points out that craftsmanship today is weakened by consumerism and fast-changing fashion trends. "To preserve it, perhaps we need to return to simpler, more practical things."

Encouraging Vocations

Her message to young people hesitant about pursuing craftsmanship? "Craftsmanship is much more than a profession; it's a passion. It also offers the freedom to practice a meaningful trade while evolving and innovating. Don't let fear stop you—every great artisan started with a first step!"

With her dynamism and dedication, Lucile Béraud perfectly embodies the spirit of transmission essential to the longevity of artisan trades. An inspiration for future generations.