Bespoke Leatherwork for Film, Television and Heritage Productions

Leather has always played a quiet but essential role in storytelling. From saddlery and harness to costume, props, and set dressing, it supports both the practical demands of production and the visual language of a piece. When authenticity matters, leatherwork needs to be made properly, using traditional materials and techniques that stand up to scrutiny, handling, and time.

Alongside private commissions, I undertake bespoke leatherwork for film, television, and heritage productions, drawing on over twelve years’ experience working within the industry as a prop maker, saddler, harness maker, and set dresser. My approach is grounded in traditional British leatherworking, with an emphasis on accuracy, durability, and restraint.

Leatherwork for Film and Television Productions

Film and television projects require leatherwork that does more than look right. It must function correctly, hold up under repeated use, and adapt to the realities of production schedules.

I produce custom leather items for screen use, including:

• Saddlery and harness

• Costume leatherwork

• Belts, straps, and holsters

• Props and hero props

• Set dressing leather items

Much of this work is informed by traditional British saddlery and leatherworking methods, ensuring pieces feel correct in the hand and read properly on camera. This is particularly important for period dramas and historically informed productions, where even small inaccuracies can undermine authenticity.

When required, I’m able to work on location or in studios, bringing a full mobile workshop setup. This allows for fittings, continuity adjustments, repairs, and last-minute changes during filming, an essential part of keeping leatherwork consistent throughout a shoot.

Period Accuracy and Traditional Methods

For historical and period productions, accuracy goes beyond appearance. Materials, construction methods, stitching, and finish all contribute to whether a piece truly belongs in its setting.

All film and television leatherwork is made using:

• Oak-bark tanned, full-grain British leather

• Traditional hand stitching and saddlery techniques

• Period-appropriate construction methods where required

This approach ensures that pieces not only look right but also behave as they should under use, ageing, flexing, and responding naturally rather than feeling artificial or overly finished.

Heritage and Historically Informed Leatherwork

Alongside screen work, I undertake artisan leather commissions for heritage and historically informed projects.

This includes:

• Historical recreations

• Repairs and sympathetic restorations

• Leatherwork for museums, private collections, and heritage settings

The focus is always on respecting the original craftsmanship while ensuring the piece remains structurally sound and fit for purpose where appropriate. Conservation and restoration work is approached with care and restraint, preserving as much original material and character as possible.

Experience and Industry Work

My film and television experience includes work for Netflix, Warner Brothers, the BBC, ITV, and a wide range of independent feature films and productions.

I understand the practical demands of production environments and the importance of discretion. I’m always happy to discuss the specific requirements of individual projects in confidence.

Materials and Making

All commissions are made by hand in the UK, using traditional British leatherworking and saddlery techniques. I work exclusively with oak-bark tanned leather, chosen for its durability, breathability, and ability to age naturally, qualities essential for both screen and heritage work.

The result is handmade leatherwork built to withstand handling, movement, and time, while remaining true to traditional methods and materials.

Discussing a Specialist Leather Commission

If you’d like to discuss a film, television, or heritage project, including timelines, technical requirements, or whether a particular piece is possible, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

Many specialist commissions begin with a simple conversation.