Jim Berney (b. 1932)

Track 1: Discussed the Berney family tradition of saddlery in Kilcullen over many generations since 1880. Educated by the Dominicans in Newbridge, emigrating to Vancouver in 1950, where he remained for six years. Track 2: Returned to Ireland at the request of his father, to work in the family business – Berney Bros Saddlery. Discussed the craft of saddlery, the leather suppliers, the patterns and colours of the leather, the tanneries. Track 3: The sense of continuity in the workshop, working alongside his father and grandfather, who were master craftsmen. Track 4: The many changes in the saddlery business over the sixty years of his tenure. The master craftsmen and other members of staff with whom he worked. Track 5: Reminiscences of growing up in a large family, the need for efficiency in the running of the family farm and the business. Discussed the specialised tools of a saddler, the same tools used by his father and grandfather.