Ruth Maria Photography
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Inspired by heritage: master craftsman Garvan de Bruir on leather working, luxurious design and his latest collection
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Master craftsman and leather designer Garvan de Bruir is inspired by the rich history of leather-working in Kildare, where his impressive atelier is located. Here he takes the Range Rover plug-in electric hybrid for a test-drive, to explore the area's highlights in elevated luxury.
Leather, explains Garvan de Bruir, is his favourite material to work with. Originally trained in furniture design and woodworking, Garvan’s design repertoire includes curved, timber buildings and handcrafted furniture, with leather always at the heart of his work. But the pieces he is best known for are his heritage collection of bridle leather bags and accessories all designed and made by hand in his atelier in Kildare.
“Leather is remarkably hardworking and luxurious,” he explains. “I was always fascinated by how it could be worked by craftsmen across different disciplines, from shoemaking, to saddlery and upholstery.” The material is deeply entwined with Kildare’s equine industry, so it’s only natural that the master craftsman was drawn to its strength and versatility in design.
In the Range Rover, he particularly praises the leather stitching and shaping of the steering wheel, dashboard and upholstery. “The interior definitely lives up to the level of luxury that Range Rover is renowned for,” says Garvan, “with all the materials, finishes and functions integrated so elegantly alongside each other.”
Garvan also loves the sustainability of leather. “As a classic craftsman, my days are spent making bags to order, by hand, with the help of my assistant, so I feel sustainability is built-in to my process. We work with an expensive raw material, so naturally, we keep waste to an absolute minimum. A handmade bag that is constructed to offer 30 or 40 years of use is more sustainable than a factory-built version that will survive a fraction of the time. We are proud to produce pieces for life.”
Sharing Garvan’s ethos, the Range Rover is also designed with sustainability in mind. Every Range Rover is available as a plug-in electric hybrid, offering a seamless transition between a petrol engine and an electric motor. “The Range Rover is such a pleasure to drive,” says Garvan, who particularly loves how “phenomenally smooth and silent” the car is while in electric mode.
Another quality the craftsman prizes is practicality. Every item he makes is not only beautiful to look at but serves a purpose, marrying durability with design. “My bags have the same core values of craftsmanship in my unique design style. Large portions of leather are selected to keep the main structures as seamless as possible. With robust bridle leather protecting the base and extending as handles to bear the load that the bag will carry.”
The new Range Rover also strikes this balance with its utilitarian features, including Electronic Air Suspension for 4×4 off-roading and advanced Driver Assistance features. It has everything you need for a smooth drive both on and off the road, all encased in a handsome and imposing design. “Visually, the car is stunning. As a long admirer of the iconic shape of the early models, I love seeing the form becoming more contemporary while maintaining that recognisable poise in the side profile,” says Garvan.
This is also what makes the Range Rover the perfect car for Garvan’s morning drives. He often brings his dog Ralph out for a walk in Kildare’s scenic gem – The Curragh. Sinking into the car’s plush leather seats and taking notice of its refined design and details, Garvan explains he often draws on his surroundings for inspiration.
After loading his pup into the boot with the car’s ultra-convenient movable loadspace floor, he is off to the pair’s favourite walking spot. On arrival, he’s greeted with the green expanse of the picturesque plain, while Ralph happily trots alongside him. “It’s a lovely way to begin the day. It relaxes my mind and allows me to think through any designs I’m working on and problem solve as well.” This morning ritual, he says, sparks fresh creativity and readies him for a day of cutting, crafting and creating. “Alongside craftsmanship, it’s a combination of engineering and precise design that goes into ensuring every piece I make is crafted to offer a lifetime, and more, of luxurious enjoyment.” A promise mirrored in every aspect by Range Rover.
Refined Luxury
Noise cancellation The Range Rover is designed to reduce drivers’ cognitive load with its next-generation Active Noise Cancellation delivered via headrest speakers.
Air Purification Drivers can breathe easy with the vehicle’s cabin air purification system with PM2.5 filtration and dual-nanoeTM X technology, proven to reduce odours and allergens.
Massage Seats Driver and passenger seats have a built-in ‘hot stone’ massage feature. This feature, alongside heated seats and footrests, elevates the vehicle to next-level pampering.
Infotainment The Pivi Pro infotainment system includes a curved, ‘floating glass’ touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, smart navigation, live traffic updates and AI technology.
Tailgate Event Suite The boot’s Versatile Loadspace Floor has a movable panel which can be raised forward to form a partition for smaller items or pivoted backwards as a backrest when passengers want to cosy up for an outdoor tailgating experience.
Enhanced Personalisation Range Rover SV bespoke commissioning service offers greater choice, heightened craftsmanship and tactile enhancements for those seeking true distinction. It’s luxury you can touch as well as see. The service is available on Autobiography and SV models.
Photos by Ruth Maria Photography
For more information, please visit http://www.landrover.ie/range-rover
