Kerry Moncrieff

For more than 30 years, Kerry Moncrieff’s life involved time with his wife (a fellow artist), their dog, the cats, reading, drawing, and playing mandolin. Then along came the kilt.

“I have always been greatly interested in the history of my definitively Scottish family name, as well as the history of Scotland,” he says, so more than a decade ago, he decided to buy a kilt.

Wearers of the fashion call themselves “Kilties,” and Kerry says all will tell you “the first kilt leads to the slippery slope of kilt and kilt accessory acquisition.” Unable to find a casual day-wear sporran he liked, Kerry tried his hand at making his own.

“I have made things since I was about 6 years old,” he says, “and having a degree in fine art I thought ‘Why not?’

A decade and many sporrans later, Kerry claims he’s retired, but he’s busier than ever designing and making sporrans, cell phone cases, key rings, and purses.

His work exemplifies a high level of detail and craftsmanship.

“It is greatly influenced by designs of the past. It is produced by hand and represents my own unique vision,” Kerry says. “I consider the utility required by daily use and ensure each piece is functional and appropriate for modern life. It reflects my mindset of having one foot in the present and one in the past.”

History’s great leatherworkers would appreciate his work — no unfinished edges or sloppy stitching, stress points are reinforced, and color choices are appealing and lean toward historical accuracy.

“I am quality driven and work to ensure my goods stand the test of time,” he says. “The durability of my leather work is in the details, the quality material, timeless design, structure, and construction. All combine to produce a product that will last and endure.”