After my annual trip around the UK to seek out some new leathers to add to my portfolio (more about that coming soon), I’m thrilled to announce the return of an old favourite, Vintage Black.
This leather is something truly special. Produced by the last remaining oak bark tannery in the UK—right here in Devon—Vintage Black is a traditionally pit-tanned leather that stands in a class of its own. The tanning process alone takes a remarkable fourteen months (that’s no typo!), as the locally sourced ox calf hides are slowly steeped through three different pits. Each pit contains a tanning liquor made from a different type of tree bark, creating rich depth and character in the finished leather.
After tanning, each hide is carefully dyed, printed with the traditional Russian hatch pattern, and hand dressed with natural oils. The result? A stunning, robust, vintage-finished leather with incredible durability and that unmistakable heritage feel.
What’s more, the tannery spent six years perfecting the formula to replicate the smell and handling of the original Russian leather before they were happy. The craftsmanship and dedication that go into producing this fabulous leather are genuinely awe-inspiring. I’ve worked with a lot of leather over the last twenty years and this is truly one of my all time favourites.
In today’s world, where speed and cost often take precedence over quality, it’s no secret where I stand: handmade is better. Yes, this leather is the most expensive I use, and understandably so when you consider the time that goes into producing it, but it’s absolutely worth every penny.
I’m delighted to have secured another batch of Vintage Black leather, and it’s available to order now via my website store.
If you want to read what the tannery say about this gorgeous leather, you can see it here https://www.jfjbaker.co.uk/russian-leather