A Guide to Our Distressed Vintage Leather

What Makes Our Leather Special

Distressed Vintage Leather is at the heart of our most iconic armchairs and sofas. It’s supple, characterful and built to age beautifully in real homes. No two pieces are ever alike — and that’s exactly the point.

Uniquely Individual

We only use European hides, tanned in Italy using a process developed and patented exclusively for our range. Every hide comes with its own natural character:

  • Subtle colour variations from animal to animal
  • Natural markings such as insect bites, healed scratches, barbed-wire marks and stretch lines
  • A patina that deepens and becomes richer with time

These natural features aren’t defects — they’re proof of a genuine, honest material with a life before the workshop. Your chair will always be different to anyone else’s.

Responsibly Sourced

Our leather is a sustainable by-product of the farming industry. The hides would otherwise be discarded, so using them reduces waste and gives value to something already produced.

We never use plastic “bonded” leather, split leather substitutes or imported finished frames.

Crafted for Comfort & Longevity

Once tanned, each hide is hand-cut, sawn and upholstered by British makers who specialise in traditional techniques. The result is furniture that breaks in gently, softens with use and gets better with age.

How Your Leather Ages

Distressed Vintage Leather starts life with character and builds more over time. You can expect:

  • A gradual softening of the surface
  • Slight darkening in areas of frequent contact
  • A lived-in look that ages with time

    This is part of the charm — our leather is designed to develop a patina rather than stay factory-perfect.
Care & Maintenance

Looking after your chair is simple and low-effort:

Routine Care
  • Dust with a clean, dry cloth weekly.
  • Wipe spills immediately with a soft cloth — do not rub.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent unnecessary fading.
  • Avoid placing next to radiators or heat sources.
Nourishing the Leather
  • Use a high-quality leather balm a few times a year to keep the hide supple.
  • Always test any product on a discreet area first.

What to Avoid
  • Harsh cleaners, baby wipes, furniture polish or anything containing solvents.
  • Scrubbing or over-cleaning — distressed leather looks best when left to settle naturally.
  • Sharp objects (pet claws, belt buckles etc.) which may leave additional marks.