ABOUT THE ARTISANS
 
At his workbench, Alan cuts belt strips from an English Bridle bend using a draw gauge.

 
In order to escape the doldrums of a bureaucratic research position with the federal government in Washington, DC, Alan McKinnon started a small leather shop in March of 1969 near the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. He was soon joined by Ann Marie. The shop's origins in the late sixties set the tone in the early days: sandals, floppy hats, visors, wide belts and other hippie delights. During the bicentennial year of 1976, the McKinnons moved their family and business to Damariscotta, Maine. Most shops from that era are gone and most that survived simply sell manufactured goods, but Alan and Ann Marie continued to produce at least half of what they sold.
 
Over the years the McKinnons developed an expertise in fine leather work. The crude construction and styling of the 60's and 70's evolved into finished leather bags, cases, appointment books, briefcases, small accessories, and belts.
 
Now that Alan is a bone fide septuagenarian the desire for a slower pace has emerged. In late summer of 2012, Alan and Ann Marie decided to close the Main Street store at year's end. In order to produce a retirement income and to stay somewhat connected to a lifetimes' work, Alan will continue to produce the same belts now well known.
 
 
Narragansett Leathers
Post Office Box 411
Damariscotta, ME 04543
 
eMail: alan@NarragansettLeathers.com
 
 
 
© 2016 Narragansett Leathers
All text and photographs are the property of Narragansett Leathers
and may not be duplicated without permission.