Walsall Leathergoods Factory Visit

Prescott & Mackay 'Made in Britain' Factory Tour Series: Walsall Leathergoods Factory Tour

This unique factory tour provides you with the opportunity to explore the legendary craftsmanship of one of the most respected fashion manufacturing bases in the UK, which is not usually open to the public.

Called the 'British leather goods capital', Walsall has the largest concentration of leather workers in northern Europe. The town's factories have been producing the world's finest saddles and leathergoods since the 19th century.

Schedule:

9:45am: Students are welcomed by our tutor at Walsall station.

10:00am-11:00am: The tour will start from the Buckle Foundry of Abbey England, supplier of saddlery workshop materials to Her Majesty the Queen. Students will be shown production processes, such as moulding, pouring metal, fettling horse brasses etc. As a stockist of solid brass fitting label Liston, Abbey England would be able to supply Prescott & Mackay students with these superior metal fittings for artisan handbags if students register their interest in advance.

11:30am-12:30pm: Students will visit James Homer, one of the most respected leathergoods factories which manufactures bags, wallets and purses for Ettinger, the Royal Warrant Holder for HRH the Prince of Wales.

1:00pm-2:00pm: Students will have a short break, enjoying tea and cakes in the cafe at the Walsall Leather Museum.

2:30pm-3:30pm: Visit the Leather Museum of Walsall. A journey through the Museum will cover leather history and the leather trade. Students can make a leather key ring to take home.