About Katy Warriner
I have always been passionate about leather, dreaming of becoming a saddler from a young age. My journey began 12 years ago with a two-day leather working course, but real education came from years of self-teaching—studying books, videos, and hands-on practice—and working as a prop maker, which sharpened my craftsmanship and attention to detail. To further refine my skills, I trained for four years under a Master Saddler, deepening my knowledge in bridle, saddle, and harness making.
Warriner Leather was born from my desire to create long-lasting, meaningful leather goods rooted in traditional craftsmanship, with a dream to craft beautiful, functional items that carry stories and memories. As a qualified Bridle Maker, Saddle Maker, and Harness Maker with the Society of Master Saddlers, I specialise in harness making and also craft bespoke luggage cases, knife sheaths, belts, and bags. My work has been recognised by national and international craft societies, earning awards in leatherwork and harness making.
I have always been drawn to the elegance and skill of old-world craftsmanship, I believe in creating items not just for use, but to be cherished. I practice slow, intentional craftsmanship, where every stitch and cut reflects respect for my craft. Each piece is handmade using time honoured techniques and the finest British oak bark tanned leather, ensuring every creation tells its unique story.
ROOTED IN LEATHER: CRAFTING STORIES
My work is not just about leather, it's about people and all the processes in between . It's about the farmers who raise the cattle, the tanneries that meticulously prepare the hides, and the artisans who pour their heart and soul into every piece. I am committed to being a voice for ethical supply chains, questioning every step of the material's journey to ensure sustainability, integrity, and transparency. I believe in responsibility: creating goods that are repairable, not disposable, and honouring the legacy not only of leatherwork but of every individual involved in its creation. Every piece I craft is a tribute to the interconnected community, from sustainable farming to traditional tanning techniques, ensuring that their contributions and stories are recognised and cherished.
As I continue to grow my business, my mission is to be recognised as a master of my craft, one who not only creates world-class leather goods but also educates and inspires others to appreciate and uphold the traditions of leatherwork. I want to share my knowledge, teach others, and inspire a new generation of artisans to join this journey, I strive to keep this heritage alive - one handcrafted piece at a time.
THE WORKSHOP
Every piece is designed and handcrafted by me, Katy Warriner, in my home workshop on the fringes of Dartmoor in West Devon.
With an open-door policy, I love welcoming people to visit, chat, and see the craft in progress. The studio atmosphere is kept lively with strong coffee, a great playlist, an endless supply of chocolate biscuits, and the occasional snore from my four-legged friend, Murphy.
I take on commissions and custom projects, from timeless classics to one-of-a-kind creations—whether traditional or something completely out of the ordinary. If you have a unique idea in mind, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out at hello@warrinerleather.co.uk
THE LEATHER
Oak bark tanning - also known as vegetable tanning - has been a method used to make leather for thousands of years. Each hide is unique and different from the last, having gained the characteristics of the animal it once was. It has exceptional qualities and retains the hide’s natural aesthetics like growth lines, marks and scars.
Vegetable tanned leathers absorb the traces of our life, maturing and ageing with a personal expression of naturalness and truth. Over time this leather will give a beautiful patina that becomes more intense with the passing of time and daily use. This leather will grow old with you.
THE TANNERY
J&FJ Baker is a small family run tannery, and is Britain's last remaining traditional oak bark tannery. The site is believed to date back to Roman times, and has been In the Baker family for 6 generations, dating back to 1862.
The hides that come to the tannery are from beef cattle from southwest farms and the oak bark used for its tannins is from oak forests in Cumbria. A slow and gentle process taking upwards of 14 months to produce a leather that is extremely strong and durable. Powered by a single water mill that gently rocks the tanning pits, there is an oldness to the buildings and the floors and walls of the tannery site, they whisper a thousand tales and tell so many stories.
In the past 70 years the UK has lost over 400 tanneries, there are only 23 remaining and only a very small number employ traditional tanning techniques - Oak bark tanning is now on the heritage crafts critically endangered list.
THE HARDWARE
A small family run foundry in Walsall operating since 1832 by the Stanley Brothers, the business is now run and owned by Abbey England who have held the royal warrant to her majesty the queen for saddlery and workshop materials since 1999.
Employing traditional green and sand-casting techniques they create hardware that compliments leather, specialising in the classic saddlery and harness styles.
Visit them here:
READ THE BLOG
Journey into leather making with me. Featuring Tales from the West, Tales from the Workshop, and Tales from the Tools.
