The Dartington Belt is handmade in Dartington South Devon by traditional leather craftspeople using either Italian cowhide. The hides are aniline dyed which, like stain on wood, lets the grain and all its natural imperfections show through. No two are exactly the same.
Tanner Bates products are different. We are hand makers, leather specialists, a small business of 3 makers - all apprentice trained in our Devon workshop. Our roots are in traditional equestrian leatherwork and our techniques and hand tools are the same as those used by saddlers and bridlemakers for generations.
We pay attention to details especially our edges which are sanded, sealed and burnished. This edging detail, which can only be achieved by hand with time and concentration, is only found on traditional hand made leatherwork. This technique and the quality of our leather is what makes Tanner Bates products different from other mass produced and factory made items.
The Italian full grain bark tanned leather is crafted in Florence by artisan tanners. At this family owned tannery they still practice the ancient method of tanning with bark from mimosa and chestnut trees rather than chemicals to slowly transform the hides into leather. The slow process of bark tanning yields a leather with a smell and patina reminiscent of a time past.
The buckles are solid brass or stainless steel.
Natural leather will be kept in good supple condition and last longer if it is treated from time to time with a good quality Hide Food and dressed with a liquid wax. Polish with a horsehair brush.
