Textile Institute to host leather event

Having such a vast supply chain, leather quality starts with the farmer and finishes with the final consumer, with everyone in between requiring leather knowledge at different levels. While tanners require the science and knowledge to manufacture against specifications, brands need to understand leather as a material in order to design and produce leather items that are both aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose.

“With the leather industry currently recognising a global shortage of leather skills, the event, ‘From Hide to High Street – Leather Innovation’ provides an outstanding line-up and a timely opportunity to raise the profile of leather. The agenda for the seminar has been carefully chosen to provide a valuable insight into both leather and leather products for delegates from both academia and industry. The University of Northampton is delighted to have the opportunity to host this event and welcome attendees to visit our on-site tannery.” Commented Rachel Garwood, Director of the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT), at The University of Northampton (a Textile Institute Corporate member and supporter of the event).

In a fast moving and volatile market, the morning’s Key Note presentation by the CEO of Pittards, Reg Hankey, will look at ‘Adapting to a Global Market Environment’. Reg will talk about how Pittards as both a manufacturer and brand have successfully adapted over the years to changes in the global leather market in order to survive.

The morning session will continue with presentations including ‘Talking Leather’ by

Rachel Garwood, Director, Institute for Creative Leather Technologies; ‘Is My Leather Safe and Legal?’ by Sue Bolton, Bolton Consultancy Ltd and will finish with ‘Fashionation’ to be given by Anais Coste, fashion designer for leather chemical makers, Stahl.

Leather as we know is a byproduct of the food industry and the afternoon session will start by exploring the close relationship between the farm, food and the footwear industries. Guy West, director of Jeffrey West & Co have developed just such a relationship with internationally recognised Chef, Heston Blumenthal, his Key Note presentation ‘From Farm to Footwear’, considers the concept of choosing your steak and then also being able to buy a pair of designer shoes…!