The Leather Conservation Centre has shifted to a new state-of-the-art home at Canopy in Leicester after strong backing from the Leathersellers Foundation and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This small but highly skilled team blends art and science to protect some of the world’s most valuable leather objects. Founded in 1978 the centre has become the global leader in leather conservation and one of Britain’s most unique institutions.

Over the decades the team has handled everything from rare books to vintage car interiors for private collectors and major institutions like the National Trust and Historic Royal Palaces.

Leather conservation only became a standalone discipline in the 1980s and the centre now works with experts across sectors including indigenous knowledge keepers and leather industry specialists to build a more complete approach to conservation.

The new facility will open its doors to the public through workshops and talks that teach people how to understand and care for leather.

“One of the workshops we will be running is on ‘Caring for your Heirlooms’ something we are often asked about. Polishing or feeding leather is a huge misnomer when looking after historic objects as adding excess fats can be quite harmful to historic objects.”

– Rosie Bolton Head of Conservation Leather Conservation Centre

The expansion was made possible through grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Leathersellers Foundation.

With more space the centre plans to take on a wider range of national and international projects while strengthening its public education work.

In short the move marks a major step forward for the Leather Conservation Centre giving it the tools space and visibility needed to protect rare leather items and keep vital heritage skills alive for future generations.