Andy Bates Leather Studio

Andy Bates Leather Studio

Hand stitched leathergoods, historical facsimiles, props and costume, art and sculpture, repair and restoration, courses and consultancy.  

Andy Bates Leather Studio has been making hand stitched leathergoods for around thirty years, from a notorious bag for Grayson Perry to bushcraft kit, briefcases and just about anything else you can think of in leather. With a background in archaeology, English and Art, We also make facsimile artefacts for museums and universities, props and costume for theatre, TV, film and opera. I and my associates also create sculptures, puppets (the biggest being 5 metres long) and undertake repairs and restorations.

We also work in other materials (such as wood, bone, flint, willow, metals and others) and have facsimile pieces in many museums including the National Museums of Ireland and Scotland. We are referenced in the British Museum's online catalogue.

We run courses, for both beginners, specialists and everyone in between. New accredited courses, leading to a qualification, are on the way!