BSLT centenary celebrations begin
17 April 2009The British School of Leather Technology (BSLT) located in Northampton, UK began their centenary celebrations with a fashion show and drinks reception for the industry guests, Corium Club members, staff and former students during the APLF in Hong Kong last month.
BSLT began educating leather industry students since it was established as the Leathersellers Technical College in 1909.
The fashion show, which took place in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 31 featured leather garments and leathergoods designed by students from the University's Division of Fashion. The leather for the fashion show was generously donated by Sateesh Jadhav, president of R Y Gaitonde & Co, one of India's leading tanners. Gaitonde have had links with the BSLT for many years.
Further events marking the centenary are set to take place throughout the next few months climaxing in a three-day event in Northampton from July 17-19 featuring an awards ceremony, summer banquet and fashion show.
Formal education began in September 1909 at the Leathersellers' Technical College in Tower Bridge Road, London. In the 1970s the institution relocated to the University of Northampton where it became known as the British School of Leather Technology. Northamptonshire has been a centre of the leather and shoe industries for centuries and the move ensured that leather education was and continues to be delivered alongside organisations and companies still involved in the worldwide leather trade.
For further information on the centenary events please visit www.northampton.ac.uk/leathercentenary or www.northamptonshireleather.com
