MATERIALS

The ancient craft of naturally tanning leather is complex and fascinating. Only natural materials such as oak bark are used to create a tanning ‘liquor’ in which each hide is hung for several months. This is compared to the globally dominant method of Chromium tanning, which reduces the process to a mere few days. Whilst certainly time-effective, it is important to me to try to avoid using chrome-tanned leather, as the vast use of chemicals in this process is very harmful to the environment, our waterways and oceans.

I now exclusively use Oak-tanned leather from J&FJ Baker in Devon, the last remaining oak bark tannery in Britain. You can read more about the process of producing their leather here

Vegetable tanned leather is beautiful, often displaying the history of life through scars and imperfections. The material will develop a wonderful patina unique to each owner and after years become a treasured item.

PROCESS

All Hyde Wares items are made using traditional saddlery tools from my workshop in Sheffield.

There is an inherent beauty in these tools, their form and function matched perfectly to aid the craft. I also hand stitch my wallets and bags which creates a special relationship with each product as this technique is slow and methodical, not to mention very durable.

Hyde Wares are designed and made to last, not to be handled delicately but with passion and conviction. Leather responds well to being used regularly, nourished by the elements and travel. 

I like to think of these items as trees - young saplings right now but hopefully one day we'll see great oaks, wise and strong with stories to tell.