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Leathersellers’ Review 2024–2025
Abbey England, a family-run leather wholesaler established in 1982 that supplies all sectors of leather manufacturing from saddlers to fashion, interior design and film production, was enlisted to handle the logistics of the project, acting as the agent between the donor tanneries and the recipient institutions by storing, shipping and distributing the hides. Scottish Leather Group, C.F. Stead, Sedgwick & Co, Tusting and Waltham Tannery – all storied names in the industry – are the main donors of surplus hides intended for use in upholstery, fashion and cordwaining. “It was important to get at least 13 hides to each university – we felt that it was a good amount to be useful,” says Ishbel Watson, Marketing Manager of Abbey England. “The first time we piloted the scheme we received a range of leathers, including both soft and hard types. While the harder leathers are ideal for applications like furniture and leather accessories, the softer leathers are often better suited to fashion projects students are working on. This time we requested a selection with lighter leathers, which has made a big difference in terms of meeting the needs of both fashion and furniture students. We are incredibly grateful for all the contributions donated by our partners, and no piece goes to waste. In 2024–2025 we ended up distributing 260 hides across 18 universities, which is fantastic.”
Educating the students about where leather comes from, its versatility and sustainable advantage over synthetic alternatives, is pivotal to the initiative.
Below: Kingston School of Art students with Course Leader David Weatherhead (far left) and design mentor Bill Amberg (far right) Opposite: Ting Wan Hsu, Kingston School of Art MA student
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