Contemporary design, time honoured craft.
At Tanner Bates we hand craft pieces you’ll treasure, contemporary heirlooms.
Using unrivalled craftsmanship, the finest materials, our experience, creativity and a sprinkling of modern technology; we endeavour to create extraordinary everyday pieces – something to be admired.
We believe that our eye for detail will delight the most discerning. Our artisans’ enduring dedication to their craft ensure luxury and functionality are never compromised. The considered provenance of our materials ensures our legacy is light on the planet.
Step into the world of Tanner Bates & explore our carefully curated collections.
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Handmade in small batches – How we work
We handmake all our products in small batches, some pieces are even made to order in a batch of just one. We are not a factory but a small team of dedicated artisan craftspeople in a workshop based in beautiful rural South Devon, UK.
Firstly, we source the best materials possible. Almost exclusively, Full Grain Vegetable or Bark Tanned leather sourced from small, world renowned tanneries. Many of our buckles are sand cast, the old fashioned way in a West Midlands foundry.
We’re passionate about provenance, by sourcing leather made in traditional ways we ensure that our legacy is light on the planet. Read more about our leather and the tanneries who produce it here on our blog.
Our products are designed and made to stand the test of time. Contemporary classic designs ensure that a Tanner Bates piece is not subject to the trends of fast fashion.
The leather will get better over time, ageing with you, becoming a trusted friend and developing a patina unique to you the owner and user. Ultimately becoming a contemporary heirloom. Don’t forget to care for your leather. Check out our Leather Care Kit.
Our makers use traditional, time honoured hand craft techniques to produce each product.
Should a Tanner Bates piece ever be in need of repair, we will always do what we can to ensure that you enjoy years and years of use from your Tanner Bates product. Read more about our Warranty & Repair Guarantee here.
A Tanner Bates piece is an investment. We’re fighting against fast fashion and mass production one handmade piece at a time.
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Tanner Bates was founded by John Hagger, almost 15 years ago.
It all started with a motley array at a local Christmas market, a rented a 500sq ft workshop in Dartington and an enthusiastic 17 year old Will as John’s apprentice.
The History: At the age of 45 John moved to Walsall to train as a saddler and bridle maker and learn traditional leatherwork skills. Walsall was the place to do it; the town is steeped in the history of leatherwork.
After training alongside and being taught by people who had been in the industry for generations, John returned to Devon and spent 2 years on self-styled practical study learning where leather comes from and how it’s made.
Tanner Bates was born.
To read more about John and the history of Tanner Bates, read our blog post:
Tanner Bates Today: We are still housed in Dartington; a stone’s throw from our original workshop. John has moved on, embarked upon his well earned retirement, entrusting Tanner Bates to a very capable, expert and passionate team of: Rick & Matt. Together they bring together more than two decades of experience gained both working alongside John at Tanner Bates and coupled with extensive backgrounds in the leather industry.
We continue to make each piece entirely by hand, using only the finest leather made in traditional ways by small tanneries - just as we have always done. This dedication to our craft and excellence achieved through the use of time honoured techniques is the cornerstone of Tanner Bates.
Look out for exciting new designs from TB HQ!
To read more about Team TB, read our page:
