What is a tanner?

A tanner is someone who specializes in treating animal hides or skins in order to produce leather. This process of tanning involves removing hair and flesh from the skin, treating it with chemicals to prevent decomposition, and finishing it to create a durable and flexible material.

Tanners traditionally used natural materials such as tannins from tree bark or other organic materials to tan the hide, but modern tanners may use synthetic chemicals to achieve the same effect. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of leather being produced.

Tanners typically work in tanneries, which are facilities dedicated to the production of leather goods. They must have a good understanding of the chemical processes involved in tanning, as well as the physical properties of different types of leather.

Overall, tanners play an important role in the production of leather goods, from shoes and clothing to upholstery and accessories. They are skilled craftspeople who have a deep understanding of the materials they work with and the processes involved in creating high-quality leather products.