Forres sporran maker makes it to Hollywood

FORRES made a ‘brave’ appearance at the 85th Academy Awards in Hollywood last month.

Director Mark Andrews picked up the Oscar for Best Animated Film for his acclaimed film, ‘Brave’, wearing a sporran made in Forres by designer Jennifer Cantwell.

Jennifer’s company, ‘Sporran Nation’, specialises in limited-edition, bespoke and commissioned sporrans, bags and accessories.

But she didn’t know she had made it onto the most glamorous red carpet in the world until some time after the event.

“I don’t have a TV or keep up with the world of celebrity, so it was a real surprise,” said Jennifer. “The first I knew was when e-mails started coming in, telling me to have a look online. It was really exciting.”

Hailing originally from Dublin, Jennifer (43) started sewing when she moved to Scotland at the age of eight. She studied art at Edinburgh College of Art, and continued to use textiles in her academic work and in creating pieces for friends. It was also while in Edinburgh that she came across a kiltmaker and was overawed by the intricate craftwork of Scotland’s national dress.

“I saw the work of Howie Nicholsby and thought it was amazing,” she said. I was inspired to do something new, and I thought, ‘No-one is doing that in sporrans; I can do that’.”

Jennifer bought the necessary tools, including a sewing machine for leatherwork, and got in touch with Howie, owner of ‘21st Century Kilts’, to set up a business partnership that has now lasted for ten years.

She moved to Forres – “for the love of a handsome man” – in 2010. Her partner, Dave Martin, wants more people to recognise her talents.

“I’m so proud of her and the work she does, but nobody in Moray knows she exists,” he said. “Her work goes all over the world.”

All of Jennifer’s pieces are now designed and hand-made in the Sporran Nation studio and workshop in Forres.

“I line the sporrans to match Howie’s kilt suits, and they come in soft, interesting shapes,” she said. “Even the hardware on them, such as the catches, are different. They are quirky and modern. The only traditional aspect is that they are sporrans.”

The design and manufacture can take anything from a couple of hours to a few days, depending on the design and the complexity of the processes.

Prices range from £165 to £220, and her success is demonstrated by an impressive client list.

Oscar winner Mark Andrews was one of her first clients, and the design he wore at the Academy Awards was actually created in 2006. Actor Kevin McKidd was also wearing a Sporran Nation piece at the Oscars ceremony.

Other celebrities to don Jennifer’s designs include rock star Lenny Kravitz, accessorising a leather 21st Century kilt; comedian Keith Lemon’s gold “bling” Sporran Nation design, worn with a leopard-skin kilt at last year’s Edinburgh Film Festival; cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, when picking up his Freedom of the City of Edinburgh award, and actor Alan Cumming when he was presented with his OBE by the Queen.

“For a small company working on a shoestring budget, the publicity is immeasurable,” said Jennifer. “But I value all of my customers and treat them all the same.”

Business comes in peaks and troughs, although Jennifer is hopeful that she may be able to employ an assistant next year. She sometimes finds herself working 16-hour days, and even seeks the help of her children, Scarlett (13) and Flora (16) with simple jobs on occasion.

Jennifer’s inspiration, Howie Nicholsby, is full of praise for her work. 21st Century Kilts was launched at London Men’s Fashion Week in 1999, and offers a unique take on traditional Scottish style.

“The synergy between us is perfect, and I wouldn’t know what to do without Jennifer,” said Howie. “I try to create timeless outfits, and her style of sporran has a modern edge, but could have been created 100 years ago. I was originally tied to other suppliers, but over the last few years, she has become the only one I use and recommend.”

He added: “We are competing with India and Pakistan for production these days, but unless you spend in Scotland, you won’t get the quality. You get a lot more for your money with Jen.”

Jennifer received a business start-up grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and craft development funding from HI-Arts while living in Inverness before moving to Forres in 2010.

“Without the arts support, I could not have sustained my business over the first year in 2004,” she said. “If people don’t value local makers and artists and what we put in rather than what we take out, there will be fewer opportunities for people here and cultural life will be the poorer.

Moray Council clearly do not value culture if they are not prepared to invest in it.”