CRAFTED IN ENGLAND

Our accessories are handcrafted in the West Midlands, a region with a rich legacy in leather craft dating back to the 1800s, deeply rooted in the equestrian trade. By the early 20th century, this area accounted for nearly a third of all Britain’s saddle and harness makers.

The rise of the combustion engine led to a decline in the leather trade, prompting a shift towards producing lighter leather goods like luggage and wallets. In the 1960s, increasing global competition drove the remaining companies to pivot towards the luxury market. Today, the region is experiencing a resurgence in demand for high-end British-made leather goods, and we are honoured to play a role in preserving this storied heritage and tradition.

PREMIUM MATERIALS

We utilise two types of premium leather in our satchels and tablet sleeves. The Kensington and Roxburgh are crafted from traditional English bridle leather, while the Balmoral and Lanarkshire feature Italian hides sourced from France.

For our Kensington line, we partner with J&E Sedgwick, renowned tanners who produce some of the world’s finest bridle leather, primarily used in luxury goods. Their vegetable tanning process, which has changed little since the early 1900s, is a meticulous, labour-intensive affair. Each hide is hand-finished by a skilled leather currier, who meticulously hand-sets the leather to ensure a flawless grain.

After currying, the leather is hand-stained and treated with natural fats, oils, and waxes, imparting a rich, luxurious finish. Leather currying is a rare, specialized skill, which is why J&E Sedgwick maintains an active apprenticeship program to pass down this tradition.

HEIRLOOM-QUALITY HARDWARE

Our satchels feature solid brass hardware sourced from one of France’s oldest saddlery houses, established in the 1800s. Initially focused on military equipment during the First World War, the company later shifted to producing equestrian leather goods, which has been its primary focus since the 1980s.

Owned and operated by four generations of the same family for over a century, this prestigious atelier supplies fittings to some of the world’s most esteemed luxury brands. Their handmade, hand-polished hardware is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and has earned numerous accolades.

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY

At Belgrave Bespoke, we choose to work with vegetable-tanned leathers for two key reasons: they are environmentally friendly, as the tanning process utilises natural tannins from bark, and they yield the highest quality, most durable leather.

Our Dakota Tuscan leather, featured in the Balmoral satchel, is sourced in Brittany, France, and then tanned in Tuscany, a region renowned for producing some of the world’s finest leather since the Renaissance era. This aniline-dyed vegetable-tanned leather boasts a beautiful, natural grain.

By upholding sustainable practices and prioritising timeless craftsmanship, we strive to create luxury accessories that will be loved for generations to come.