Whipping Post brings “uncommonly durable” leather goods to Inman Park

Shoppers watch artisans at work at musician-turned-craftsman Ryan Barr’s shop
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Photograph by Kaylinn Gilstrap
Photograph by Kaylinn Gilstrap

In 2008, musician-turned-craftsman Ryan Barr began tinkering with leather in his apartment in Virginia-Highland. Two years later, after working for a leather company and studying the craft in Mexico, Barr founded Whipping Post (331 Elizabeth Street). The name was inspired by the Allman Brothers song—and objects that can take a beating. After a brief stint in New York, Barr brings his “uncommonly durable” hand-constructed leather goods back to the area with his first brick-and-mortar spot, expected to open in Inman Park this month.

The Vintage Tote Bag, $195; the Weekender duffle bag, $350
The Vintage Tote Bag, $195; the Weekender duffle bag, $350

Photograph courtesy of Whipping Post

The company started with guitar straps; now also find handsome messenger bags ($295), wallets ($35 to $40), and totes ($195). But the historic factory-loft space will be more than a store. “The hope is to lift the curtain a little bit,” says Barr, who envisions it as a place where customers can see the tools, touch the hides, and watch artisans at work on new products. His online business booms, but Atlantans will be able to call first dibs on new goods—right off the worktable.

This article originally appeared in our February 2015 issue as a part of Scout About Town.

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