What Types of Products Can Be Commissioned in Bespoke Leather?
Commissioning something in leather isn’t about choosing from a list. It’s about creating an object that fits its purpose properly, something that works hard, feels right in the hand, and lasts for decades rather than years.
As a leather maker working entirely by hand in the UK, I undertake a wide range of bespoke leather commissions, from everyday working items to highly specialised pieces. Everything is made using traditional British leatherworking and saddlery techniques, with a focus on durability, repairability, and honest materials.
Below is an overview of the types of handmade leather goods I commonly make, along with examples of recent bespoke commissions.
Everyday Handmade Leather Goods
Many commissions start with everyday items, pieces that are used constantly but made with far greater care and longevity than mass-produced alternatives.
Common commissions include:
Handmade leather belts
Bags and utility pouches
Dog collars and leads
Traditional leather accessories
Each piece is made from oak-bark tanned, full-grain British leather, selected for its strength, breathability, and ability to age naturally with use. This is leather that improves the more it’s worn, developing a deep patina and character unique to the person using it.
Commissions often extend to practical outdoor leatherwork, such as custom axe sheaths and knife sheaths. These are made to fit the individual tool precisely, using oak-bark tanned leather chosen to protect the blade, perform in all weathers, and soften beautifully over time, complementing the craftsmanship of the tool itself.
Custom Leather for Classic and Vintage Cars
I also undertake bespoke leather commissions for classic and vintage vehicles, where accuracy, durability, and period-appropriate materials are essential.
One recent project involved designing and making a custom leather luggage case for a limited production run of the Alfa Romeo Type 33. The brief was to create a case that would fit precisely within a purpose-built luggage compartment housed inside the bonnet.
Inspired by early 1900s hat-box cases, the piece was crafted from oak-bark tanned leather, traditionally box-stitched, fully lined, and finished with chrome hardware to match the car’s distinctive detailing. Following the initial commission, I was invited to produce matching cases for the remaining vehicles in the production run.
This type of work demands patience, precision, and a deep understanding of how leather behaves over time, particularly in demanding environments.
Historical Leatherwork and Heritage Projects
For historically informed work, I create artisan leather pieces using traditional materials and methods appropriate to the period.
This includes:
Historical recreations
Sympathetic repairs and restorations
Leatherwork for museums and heritage collections
The aim is always to preserve the integrity of the original piece while ensuring it remains structurally sound and fit for purpose. Where possible, original construction techniques are respected, and modern shortcuts are avoided.
Film, Television, and Specialist Leatherwork
I undertake bespoke leather commissions for film and television, where authenticity and reliability are just as important as appearance.
This work can include:
Saddlery and harness
Costume leatherwork and props
Belts, straps, and specialist on-set items
Film and television projects often require a balance of historical accuracy, durability, and practical performance under demanding production conditions. Traditional methods and materials are key to achieving this.
Horse Harness and Specialist Equestrian Leatherwork
As a qualified saddle and harness maker, I produce made-to-measure horse harness and specialist equestrian leatherwork, tailored to the horse, vehicle, and work required.
Recent work includes a private driving show harness, created using traditional British saddlery techniques as part of my Level Three City & Guilds harness-making examinations. Made from premium oak-bark tanned British leather, the set was designed to deliver comfort, performance, and longevity, while meeting the standards required for private carriage driving and country show competitions.
Materials and Making
Every bespoke commission is crafted entirely by hand, from the first cut to the final stitch and polish. No machines, just traditional tools, skilled hands, and time.
I work exclusively with oak-bark-tanned, full-grain leather sourced from British cattle hides. This approach produces handmade leather goods made in the UK that are strong, breathable, repairable, and designed to last for generations.
This is leatherwork as it used to be, made properly and made to endure.
Commissioning a Bespoke Leather Piece
If you have an idea in mind, whether it’s a practical working piece or something more specialised, I’m always happy to talk it through. Many commissions begin as a simple conversation, exploring how the piece will be used, the materials required, and what it needs to do well.
If you’d like to discuss a bespoke leather commission or ask whether a project is possible, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
