Uncompromising Quality

Since 1899

Uncompromising Quality

Since 1899

Waltham Tannery produce bovine grain and suede leathers of the highest quality in all thicknesses and finishes to the exact customer specification.

About us

Decades of tanning expertise is distilled in our small team at Waltham who, by working diligently with only the best raw materials and a range of traditional and modern technology, can tailor-make leather to the desired finish within a short timescale.

Supplying leather to the orthopaedic, shoe, equestrian, fashion, construction and industrial trades, we can cater for required thicknesses between 0.9 mm and 3.00 mm. We also offer Contract Dressing work for deerskins.

We pride ourselves on our high-quality approach to all aspects of leather production. With continuous quality control measures in place, we are willing to try new things, open to new ideas and we work in close collaboration with our customers to ensure our leather is constantly produced to our impeccable standard, for when it is needed.

“We pride ourselves on our high-quality approach to all aspects of leather production.”

our heritage

James Boston, Director of Waltham Tannery is a fourth-generation leather producer and is very proud to be continuing the family tradition of tanning exceptional quality leather.

The Boston family firm started business as Garston Tanning in Liverpool since 1899 with great-grandfather John Boston at the helm, and after years of supplying Waltham Tannery in Louth with wet blue, the family decided to amalgamate forces with Waltham in the mid 1960’s.

Garston Tanning was one of the largest producers of wet blue chrome hides for the global car trade and in 1971 installed one of the largest tannery drums in the world, but the tide turned in the leather industry during the late 1970s when foreign manufacturers bought up the majority of raw materials. The company was bought out in 1998 by leather upholstery specialists now known as Scottish Leather Group Operations Limited, and the Garston site was eventually closed in 2005.

Garston Leather was one of the largest producers of leather upholstery for the European car trade and in 1971 installed one of the largest tannery drums in the world, but the tide turned in the leather industry during the late 1970s when foreign manufacturers bought up the majority of raw materials. The company was bought out in 1998 by leather upholstery specialists now known as Scottish Leather Group Operations Limited, and the Garston Leather tannery was eventually closed in 2005.

Waltham Tannery has stood on the same Queen Street site in Louth town centre since the mid-20th century, in buildings that were formerly Strawson’s jam and pickle factory. Originally making suede for industrial applications, Waltham Tannery have diversified and extended their product range into the tailor-made leather manufacture service it is today.

“Waltham Tannery is a fourth-generation leather producer and is very proud to be continuing the family tradition of tanning exceptional quality leather.”

Our products

Take a look at the diverse range of colours, grades, finishes and industries our high-grade leather is made for. We’re open to new ideas – contact us to find out more.