In recent years, the phrase “Make It British” has grown from a nostalgic nod to our manufacturing heritage into a powerful movement. It celebrates the makers, workshops, tanneries and small businesses keeping British craftsmanship alive. And in the world of leatherwork, a discipline defined by feel, skill, patience and tradition, the importance of making in Britain has never been clearer.
A handmade belt should be synonymous with durability. This comes from superior materials like full-grain, vegetable tanned leather and solid brass or stainless steel hardware, combined with robust construction. The leather's thickness, quality stitching, and secure buckle attachment all contribute to a product that can withstand decades of daily wear.
At Tanner Bates, every leather bag we make begins as naturally tanned leather in our Devon workshop and leaves as a lifelong companion, hand-cut, some bags are saddle-stitched, edges are burnished and finished with time-honoured craftsmanship. These are bags made using traditional techniques, full-grain hides, solid brass hardware and an attention to detail you simply can’t rush.
When it comes to Christmas gifts, few things feel more personal, or more enduring, than leather. Forget the mass-produced, the plastic, the passing trends. Real, hand-stitched leather is a material that tells a story, softens with time, and becomes part of someone’s life.
Among materials, wood and leather form a partnership that stands out for its quiet strength and lasting appeal. For centuries, these natural elements have shaped furniture, travel, and interiors, and they still represent heritage, character, and care today.
You’re seeking that perfect escape, somewhere that captures your heart the moment you arrive. Devon’s picturesque countryside and stunning coastline deliver exactly that magic. Golden sandy beaches, dramatic moorland that takes your breath away in places like Exmoor National Park. Those picture-perfect seaside towns you see on postcards, they’re real, and they’re here.
Have you ever noticed how a single belt buckle can completely transform the character of a belt? Belt buckle types aren't just functional fasteners - they're the unsung heroes of your wardrobe, quietly transforming leather into statement pieces.
Struggling to find meaningful Gifts for your Ushers and Best Man (or groomsman if you're the other side of the pond)! There's one choice that stands above passing trends - handcrafted leather pieces from our Devon workshop. These timeless treasures, ranging from £20 and upwards, blend practicality with prestige in ways synthetic materials simply can't match.
Ever noticed how your favourite leather bag or jacket just gets better with time? That rich, warm character it develops - that's leather patina. It's the story your leather tells through every adventure, every touch, every moment it's been part of your life.
Regular maintenance, including proper cleaning and conditioning twice yearly, significantly extends your wallet's lifespan while potentially helping to disguise those annoying stains and work them further into the leather to build an excellent patina.