Heritage Crafts and the Leathersellers’ Foundation award four training bursaries in leatherworking crafts

Heritage Crafts received dozens of applications from aspiring leatherworkers, keen to learn from some of the greatest makers across the United Kingdom through the support of the Leathersellers’ Foundation. Following shortlisting and interviews, four successful recipients were selected, all of whom show huge potential but require additional financial support in order to progress their careers.

The four successful applicants of the bursary scheme will each benefit from up to £4,000 in funding, as well as one-to-one support from Heritage Crafts and the opportunity to join the Leathersellers’ Alumni Network.

• Amar Patel, from London, will train in leather bag making with leatherworker Yusuf Osman. Alongside the craft skills training, they will develop a plan to launch Amar’s online business with a core collection that he can start making from his home workshop after his training is complete.

• Emily Perigaud, from Brighton, will complete her studies with Mark Romain MBE at the Saddlery Training Centre in Wiltshire. Her ambition is to work as a saddle maker or harness maker before branching out on her own. She would particularly like to work for the film industry, making tack fit for both horse and rider.

• Rob Price, from Cumbria, will train in leather shoemaking from the Ottowin Shop in Bristol and Carreducker in London. Having already trained in oak bark tanning and leatherworking, he is looking to elevate his work by being able to make high-quality, handstitched boots and shoes from leather he has tanned himself.

• Johnette’ Taylor, from London, will train in traditional leatherworking skills from April Mai, including wet moulding, with the aim of developing a thoughtfully designed collection of leather travel bags. The training will enable her to create intricate pieces without sacrificing quality.

The four bursaries are part of a new partnership between the two organisations which last year saw the awarding of the inaugural Young Leatherworker of the Year Award last year to Preethi Kosanam, with a £1,000 prize presented at Eltham Palace in November. The 2025 award is currently open for nominations through the Heritage Crafts website www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/opportunities/awards.

Natalia Rymaszewska​​​​, Head of Grants at the Leathersellers’ Foundation, said:

“It is wonderful to see the passion of makers to improve and develop their leatherworking skills across a range of applications and learning from skilled mentors. Offering opportunities such as these bursaries in partnership with Heritage crafts furthers our [Leathersellers] vision to support a thriving, sustainable and connected leather industry and we look forward to seeing their work and following their journeys.”

 Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director of Heritage Crafts, said:

“We are immensely proud to partner with the Leathersellers’ Foundation to champion the future of leatherworking in the UK. By connecting Amar, Emily, Rob, and Johnette with master craftspeople and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit, we’re ensuring that traditional techniques not only survive but adapt to modern demands.”

Photography: James Champion