A Life in Leather — The Story of Katy Warriner
Crafting the Traditional Way
I’ve always been passionate about leather, dreaming from a young age of becoming a saddler. My journey into traditional British leatherwork began over twelve years ago with a two-day course, but the real lessons came through years of self-teaching, poring over old books and videos, and countless hours at the workbench.
To refine my craft, I trained for four years under a Master Saddler, learning the heritage skills of traditional saddlery. Today, I’m a qualified Bridle, Saddle, and Harness Maker with the Society of Master Saddlers, specialising in handmade harnesses, bespoke luggage, belts, knife sheaths, and bags. Every piece is made using time-honoured techniques and the finest British oak bark tanned leather, sourced from JFJ Bakers in Colyton, Devon - chosen for its strength, character, and sustainability.
Member of The Society of Master Saddlers and South West England FibreShed.
Honouring the Story Behind Every Piece
My work is not just about leather — it’s about people and every step in between. It’s about the farmers who raise cattle with care, the skilled British tanneries that prepare each hide with dedication, and the makers who pour heart and soul into every stitch and cut. I believe in questioning every part of the journey to ensure an ethical, transparent supply chain rooted in sustainability, integrity, and respect.
As Warriner Leather grows, my mission is to be recognised as a master of my craft — not just for creating world-class British handmade leather goods, but for keeping traditional leatherwork alive for future generations. Alongside my Devon studio work and collaborations with the film and TV industry — crafting authentic period pieces, fantasy props, and equestrian items — I’m proud to share my knowledge, teach others, and inspire new makers to pick up the tools and carry this heritage forward, one handcrafted piece at a time.
Press Features
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Leather Sellers - Annual Review
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Drift Magazine
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Waxing The Thread Magazine
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Leather UK - The Art of Leather
The Workshop
Every piece is designed and handcrafted by me, Katy Warriner, in my home workshop studio on the fringes of Dartmoor, West Devon.
I have an open-door policy — I love welcoming people to visit, chat, and see traditional British leatherwork in progress. The studio atmosphere is fuelled by strong coffee, a great playlist, an endless supply of chocolate biscuits, and the occasional snore from my four-legged workshop companion, Murphy.
Whether it’s a timeless classic or a completely one-of-a-kind piece, I take on commissions and custom leather projects that celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. If you have a unique idea in mind — traditional or entirely out of the ordinary — I’d love to hear about it.
Feel free to get in touch: hello@warrinerleather.co.uk
THE LEATHER
Timeless & True
Oak bark tanning — also known as vegetable tanning — has been used to make leather for thousands of years. Each hide is completely unique, shaped by the life and markings of the animal it once was. This leather keeps its natural character — the growth lines, the marks, the scars — that tell a true story.
Choosing oak bark tanned, vegetable tanned leather is also a commitment to sustainability and responsible craftsmanship. Unlike modern chemical tanning, this traditional method uses natural tannins from British oak bark and takes many months to complete, with minimal impact on the environment. The process supports local forestry, preserves ancient skills, and creates a leather that is biodegradable, traceable, and kind to the land — ensuring that every piece honours not only the animal and the craft, but the future too.
Vegetable tanned leather absorbs the traces of our lives, maturing and ageing beautifully with use. Over time, it develops a deep, rich patina that becomes more intense the more you handle it. This is leather that grows old with you — a living material that carries your story.
THE TANNERY
Britain’s Last Oak Bark Tannery
J&FJ Baker is a small family-run tannery and Britain’s last remaining traditional oak bark tannery — a heritage site that’s believed to date back to Roman times. The Baker family have run this tannery for six generations, since 1862.
All hides come from beef cattle raised on southwest farms, and the oak bark for tanning is sourced from sustainable oak forests in Cumbria. Each hide is transformed through a gentle, slow process that takes over 14 months to produce leather that’s strong, supple, and built to last. Powered by a single water mill that rocks the tanning pits day after day, the old buildings and worn stone floors whisper a thousand stories of craft passed down through centuries.
In the last 70 years, the UK has lost over 400 tanneries — with only 23 left, and just a handful still practising traditional methods. Oak bark tanning is now officially on the Heritage Crafts critically endangered list — making every hide from J&FJ Baker even more precious.
Visit them here: www.jfjbaker.co.uk
THE HARDWARE
British Cast, Traditional & Enduring
Every buckle and fitting I use is crafted by a small family-run foundry in Walsall, the historic heart of British saddlery hardware. The Stanley Brothers began the business back in 1832 — it’s now owned and run by Abbey England, who hold the Royal Warrant for saddlery and workshop materials.
Using traditional green and sand-casting techniques, they produce hardware that perfectly complements fine leather — specialising in classic saddlery and harness fittings that stand the test of time.
By partnering with Abbey England, I’m proud to support British manufacturing and keep these heritage casting skills alive. Each buckle, ring, and fitting is made with the same care and integrity that goes into my leatherwork — ensuring that each finished piece, from bridle to belt, is strong, dependable, and true to its traditional roots.
Visit them here: www.abbeyengland.com
READ THE BLOG
Journey into the art of traditional leatherworking and heritage crafts through my blog. Learn about British oak bark tanning, handmade leather goods, and the stories behind every stitch. Perfect for anyone passionate about authentic craftsmanship and sustainable leather
