Μουσείο Βυρσοδεψίας
Museum in Karlovasi on Samos with tools, machinery and photographs of the tannery, which flourished here from 1880 to 1930.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Tannery Museum of the Municipality of Western Samos tells the story of the tanning industry of Karlovasi. The processing of hides is an ancient craft, and Samos was known for the vegetable tanning of hides for soles, with tannins from acorn cups and pine bark. The tanning industry of Karlovasi flourished from about 1880 to 1930, with around 50 businesses and 300 workers, and it covered about 25% of domestic production. After 1950 production declined, as larger centres competed with regional producers, and the sector effectively died out by the end of the 20th century. The workers founded two trade unions, in 1899 and in 1908, and the movement of the tanners was among the most active of its time.
The building of the old tannery is two-storey. On the ground floor the wet processes took place (preparation, soaking, liming and treatment in barrels and pits), and on the upper floor the dry processes (finishing, stretching the hides for drying and ironing). The visible wooden roof with thick cypress beams survives, together with the beams that also supported the system for stretching the hides, drainage channels in the floor and water tanks. When the factories were mechanised, the machines were driven by shafts and belts.
The exhibition presents the three stages of tanning: water and cleaning, vegetable treatment (“argasia” and tanning barrels) and finishing with dyeing. Tools and machinery are displayed, such as barrels, stretching frames, tripods and irons, as well as historic photographs, archival material and inscriptions from tanneries.
Highlights
- Old tannery with a visible wooden roof of cypress beams
- The three stages of vegetable tanning
- Tools, barrels and machinery
- Historic photographs and archival material
Permanent exhibition
- Η βυρσοδεψία του Καρλοβασίου – The exhibition presents the three stages of vegetable tanning with tools, machinery, historic photographs and archival material.
- Operated by
- Δήμος Δυτικής Σάμου
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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