J&JF Baker Oak Bark Leather Range

New Utility is very excited to be working with a new (to us) tannery! J. & F.J. Baker in Devon.

The Devonshire site of J. & F.J. Baker has been a tannery since the Roman times. The site has grown and developed and expanded over centuries and with it the oak bark production techniques, perfecting the art of tanning.

Oak bark tannage is a long, gentle process that protects the natural fibres of the hide unlike modern tanning methods. Bakers choose the best local hides and treat them in a sustainable process using natural products. It takes 14 months to produce each piece of leather.

Their expert curriers finish the leather by hand with with a special blend of natural oils and greases that protect and feed the leather whilst simultaneously emphasising the natural grain and colour. The result is leather that is unrivalled hardwearing, strong and with distinctive colours.

It is a privilege for me to work with leather such as this. For now, this range is small, one bag and a belt a choice of two colours, though I might expand the range when the time is right.