Tanner Bates

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN, TIME HONOURED CRAFT HANDMADE IN DARTINGTON, DEVON

Contemporary design, time honoured craft.

At Tanner Bates we hand craft pieces you’ll treasure, contemporary heirlooms.

Using unrivalled craftsmanship, the finest materials, our experience, creativity and a sprinkling of modern technology; we endeavour to create extraordinary everyday pieces – something to be admired.

We believe that our eye for detail will delight the most discerning. Our artisans’ enduring dedication to their craft ensure luxury and functionality are never compromised. The considered provenance of our materials ensures our legacy is light on the planet.

Step into the world of Tanner Bates & explore our carefully curated collections.

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Tanner Bates was founded by John Hagger, almost 15 years ago.

It all started with a motley array at a local Christmas market, a rented a 500sq ft workshop in Dartington and an enthusiastic 17 year old Will as John’s apprentice.

The History: At the age of 45 John moved to Walsall to train as a saddler and bridle maker and learn traditional leatherwork skills. Walsall was the place to do it; the town is steeped in the history of leatherwork.

After training alongside and being taught by people who had been in the industry for generations, John returned to Devon and spent 2 years on self-styled practical study learning where leather comes from and how it’s made.

Tanner Bates was born.

Tanner Bates Today: We are still housed in Dartington; a stone’s throw from our original workshop. John has moved on, embarked upon his well earned retirement, leaving Tanner Bates in the very capable, expert hands of the dedicated team: Rick, Ella, Matt & Will, who between them have over 15 years experience working alongside John at Tanner Bates and many more years in the leather industry.

We continue to make everything entirely by hand, using only the finest leather made in traditional ways by small tanneries, just as we have always done.

We are known for our work with Oak Bark Tanned Leather which we source from our local tannery in East Devon. The tannery uses oak bark from the Lake District to produce a full grain leather with a unique patina and feel. Most of our products have an Oak Bark Tanned leather option. We cut everything from the hide by hand and carefully make each product using traditional leatherwork hand tools, some are hand stitched.

Look out for exciting new designs from TB HQ!