1. Hide Preparation: Tanners began by preparing the animal hides for the tanning process. This involved removing any remaining flesh, fat, and hair from the hides.
2. Soaking: The hides were soaked in water to remove dirt, blood, and other impurities.
3. Dehairing: After soaking, the hides underwent a dehairing process. This could be done manually by scraping or using a lime solution to loosen the hair.
4. Fleshing: Any remaining flesh was removed from the inner side of the hide.
5. Tanning: The hides were then subjected to a tanning process, which involved treating them with various tanning agents. Common tanning agents included plant materials such as oak bark or tree bark, which contained tannins. This process could last several weeks or even months.
6. Currying: Once the hides were tanned, they went through a process called currying. This involved softening and stretching the leather to make it more flexible. Oils, greases, and other substances were applied to achieve the desired texture and finish.
7. Drying and Finishing: The tanned and curried leather was dried and then finished to prepare it for use. Finishing could involve processes such as dyeing, polishing, or embossing.
8. Cutting and Sewing: Tanners sometimes also cut and sewed the leather into various products, such as shoes, garments, bags, and furniture upholstery.
9. Quality Control: Tanners ensured the quality of their leather by inspecting the hides for defects and ensuring the tanning process was carried out correctly. They also tested the durability and flexibility of the finished leather.
10. Trade and Commerce: Tanners sold their finished leather to various customers, including shoemakers, saddlers, upholsterers, and other artisans who used leather in their crafts.
Overall, tanners in the 1700s were skilled craftsmen who played a vital role in transforming animal hides into durable and versatile leather used in a wide range of applications.