The furrier’s craft is one of the oldest professions in the world. It involves the preparation and processing of sheepskin and fine furs. By the end of the 18th century, the craft had divided into two distinct branches: German furriers, who specialised in fine furs, and Hungarian furriers, who worked with sheepskin, traditionally known as irha in Hungarian.
In our family, the latter craft—traditional sheepskin tanning and garment making—has been a six-generation tradition, passed down uninterruptedly from father to son.
OUR HISTORY
”GARAY SZŰCS” Kft. grew out of the professional heritage and expertise of the Garay family of master furriers.
György Garay (1849-1910)
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My great-great-grandfather, Garay György, is the earliest documented furrier in our family history. His furrier’s apprentice journeyman’s certificate, dated 1868, together with his work record book, represents the first written evidence of our family’s involvement in the craft.
Several outstanding examples of his work, including beautifully embroidered traditional Hungarian sheepskin coats (ködmön) and waistcoats, can be found in the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest.
György Garay ‘s work – Embroidered “ködmön” from 1877
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János Garay (1855-1961)
During much of Garay János’s career, the emphasis shifted away from heavily embroidered and richly decorated traditional coats, jackets and waistcoats. Instead, practicality, durability, everyday functionality and reaching a wider customer base became the main priorities.
At the 1911 handicraft exhibition organised by the Tótkomlós Industrial Association, the judging committee appointed by the Arad Chamber of Commerce and Industry awarded him a Certificate of Merit in recognition of the beauty and quality of his workmanship.
We must also mention the suba, one of the most important winter garments in traditional Hungarian rural life, which was in constant demand.The photo shows him working on a suba.
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László Garay (1919-1983)
The family tradition continued with Garay László. During the peak of his career in the 1970s, demand for sheepskin garments reached an all-time high.
It was during this period that sheepskin coats evolved into modern garments, featuring lighter, thinner materials with a textile-like feel. This development made the coats significantly lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Zoltán Garay (1954- )
“Years of dedicated work have resulted in the proprietary technology I have developed, enabling me to achieve the highest standards of quality. The greatest strength of my company lies in honest, skilled craftsmanship.”
Garay László (1999–)
My goal is to make our products available as widely as possible by entering more and more countries. We will continue writing the success story of the Garay company in its current form.