The Museum of Leathercraft was founded in London 1946. Now based in the heart of the UK’s leather and footwear industry, Northampton, we are delighted to be sharing our treasures with the public once again.
Museum of Leathercraft timeline
1946
The Museum of Leathercraft was founded in London in 1946 when the British Saddlery and Leathergoods Manufacturers donated £5000 to capture the heritage of leather history. The project was led by John W. Waterer and Dr Claude H. Spiers, who had the vision to create a museum dedicated to showcasing leather artefacts.
1951
The museum became a registered Charitable Company.
1977
Sadly, in 1977 Waterer and Spiers both passed away. The museum had acquired a collection of over 5,000 objects, and a library and archive of over 3,000 volumes. Despite significant public and industry interest, a long-term sustainable home for the collection was not found.
1978
At this time the collection was transferred into the care of Northampton Borough Council and moved to Northampton. The Leather Conservation Centre opened in Northampton, inspired by John Waterer’s vision to create a studio dedicated to the conservation of leather objects and to encourage research into new conservation techniques.
1999
In 1999, the Museum of Leathercraft was recognised as a fully registered museum.
2013
In 2013, it was accredited as part of the Arts Council England standards for museums.
2016
In August 2016, the collection moved to its current premises on the 2nd Floor of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Northampton. The LCC joined in 2018.
