Cork Industrial Exhibition Medal

An extremely rare Cork Industrial Exhibition bronze medal from the 1833 Exhibition. A bronze disc approximately 7 cms, awarded to William Hegarty (Blarney St.), for his Russet Calf Leather. The disc was the highest award granted to those showcasing their products. William Hegarty went into French factories as a working man in order to make a detailed study of the processes there employed, and established with his brother, a calf skin tanning and currying tanyard. Hegarty, a tanner based on Blarney St., died in June of the very same year, with his will proven by John Hegarty (tanner) and Stephen Perry (merchant). Tanning and currying were declining industries in Cork by this time. By 1893, with a few notable exceptions such as the firms of Messrs Hegarty and Sons employing over 200 hands, and Messrs Dunn Bros, the tanning industry was lost to Cork. In 1919, it was observed that in about 1845 there were 60 tanyards in the city of Cork. A wonderful piece of Cork history. Collection from Cork City Centre. Delivery available within ROI from €11.00