lisland Harness Makers was founded in 1980 by Jane Talbot-Smith on returning to her native Cornwall.

After spending two and a half years building horse drawn vehicles, Jane decided that leather was the medium for her and took up a place at Cordwainers College, Hackney, London to study Rural Saddlery.

On leaving college Jane worked as an improver with Bridleways of Guildford working under Master Saddler, Les Cocker, famous for his side saddle used by HM Queen Elizabeth II and his work for the late Shah of Persia.

In 1985 Jane Talbot-Smith was assessed and accepted into The Society of Master Saddlers and became the first Master Saddler in Cornwall.

Blisland Harness Makers produce a full range of saddlery and driving harness as well as maintaining,
a complete repair service.

The work has branched out into cattle, sheep, pig and goat harness and all leather dog equipment. The craft side is expanding with cartridge bags/belts, pouches and cases, boxes, fashion belts, bellows, fishing rod and reel cases, tripod stools and sailing requirements. Jane uses her training as a carriage builder in the carving on the bellows as well as doing all the leather work on horse drawn vehicles. She also makes and restores rocking horse tack.