The Leather Conservation Centre has relocated to its new state-of-the-art facility in the Canopy district of Leicester, thanks to significant support from the Leathersellers Foundation and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Founded in 1978, the centre blends art and science to preserve some of the most valuable leather objects in the world, establishing itself as a global leader in leather conservation.
Over the decades, the team has worked on a wide range of artefacts — from rare manuscripts to vintage car interiors — serving private collectors as well as major institutions including the National Trust and Historic Royal Palaces. Leather conservation emerged as a dedicated discipline in the 1980s; today, the centre collaborates with experts from various sectors, from indigenous knowledge holders to specialists in the leather industry, to build a holistic and advanced conservation approach.
The new facility will also open its doors to the public through workshops and educational talks aimed at improving the understanding and care of leather objects. Highlighting one of their upcoming programs, Head of Conservation Rosie Bolton noted:
“One of the workshops we will be running is on ‘Caring for Your Heirlooms.’ Polishing or feeding leather is a major misconception when caring for historic items, as adding excess fats can be quite harmful.”
The relocation was made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Leathersellers Foundation. With increased space and improved infrastructure, the centre plans to undertake a broader portfolio of national and international projects while enhancing its public education mission.
Ultimately, the move marks a major milestone for the Leather Conservation Centre, providing the tools, space, and visibility needed to safeguard rare leather artefacts and preserve essential heritage skills for future generations.
