Hand Coloured Leather
Colouring leather by hand is the essence of Fleming Howland, an age-old technique embedded within the company's deep-rooted history. In the 1780s Soloman Howland turned his hand from cordwainery to chair-painting, applying dye pigments, waxes and polishes to create a lustrous three-dimensional leather patina. Contrary to today’s industrial tanning techniques, the ancient art of colouring leather by hand accentuates the natural hallmarks of exceptionally high quality full-aniline leather.
It’s the imperfections that give us soul
Each hide is delicately massaged using specially formulated dyes that have evolved over generations. This treatment by hand creates a softness to the leather that is impossible to replicate through usual tannery methods. Up to six layers of dyes, wax and polish may be required to reach the correct intensity. Areas of the hide will absorb the colours in various intensities, dictated by the hide’s texture and hallmarks.
Designed to improve with age
Just as a painter would address a canvas, the antiquer would apply the dyes by hand directly onto the hide. The result is a leather that isn’t just incredibly supple, but transmits a distinctive, warm natural fragrance. Best of all, the dyes result in a natural aging process that improves the look and feel of the leather over time and use.
Bespoke colours
What makes an object truly bespoke is having something you know you won’t find anywhere else. This concept of catering to the individual rather than the masses is what gives furniture its true value. No other process allows such variation in colour depth and choice, whether it is one of the standard colourways or a bespoke colour made just for you.
Technical specification
A soft uncoated full grain, full aniline leather that is used specifically for hand dyeing. Colour dyes are mixed and gently massaged into the leather which is then allowed to dry. This process is repeated at least six times to ensure a beautifully-toned patina. As the dyes are absorbed in varying intensities on different areas of the skin, the original hallmarks of the hide ensure that every piece is completely unique and distinctive. Full-aniline leather, which is the hide’s most organic state, will always reveal heavy scarring and blemishes. In areas of frequent use, such as the seat and arm, the natural oils will move around to cause a lightening in colour. This is the natural progression of hand-coloured leather and in no way should be considered a flaw.
Hide size av. 4.5 sqm. Thickness ca. 1.2mm. Recommended Use: suitable for domestic, general contract and marine applications.
Colours depicted in digital photos may not be accurate due to variations in lighting conditions. You may request a colour swatch from this page for approval.
BRITISH FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS
Manufactured under the ISO9001:2008 quality system and to comply with British standards for upholstery leather and the furnishings fire safety regulations 1988.