Along with prostitution the tanning of leather is one of the oldest professions on earth and approximately half of all footstools sold today are upholstered in leather. But where does the leather we use come from and what are the origins of this multi million-pound industry?

The origins of leather production can be traced back to the stone-ages. The first leather was created almost by accident by Neanderthal man. As the early hunter gatherers prepared their prey, the first part of the preparation was to skin the animal. They soon discarded the skin and not long after noticed that skins left in moist areas when combined with the foliage from leaves had exhibited certain characteristics. They lasted longer before they began to decay and retained their features longer than other skins. The plant extracts eventually became known as vegetable tanning and is still practised today in a similar form. According to the Bible Simon the Tanner was plying his trade as long as 2000 years ago. 

Leather making advanced slowly over the ages, with more modern refinement of chemicals slowly improving the quality of the leather produced by the early tanners. It wasn’t until the 19th century that more dramatic changes were introduced. In the mid 1850’s, Frederick Knapp presented his ideas on tanning with chromium sulphate. Chromium sulphate with its higher hydrothermal stability soon became a favourite of leather makers across the globe and is today the most popular product used in the tanning process.

Progress in the research and development of organic chemistry utilised in the chemical industry have seen much more rapid advances in the technology used in the leather making process, leading to much more advanced leather products.

Various footstool ranges offer leathers finished to differing quality standards and specifications. Hard wearing leathers are most appropriate in the contract market whereas softer, more vibrant shades are upholstered to form pouffes, cubes or ottomans on offer to the general public.

Our customers agree that a leather footstool is an excellent household investment and will be of great use for many years to come, using some of the finest Italian leather, hand-upholstered onto our locally sourced timber frames, for long lasting comfort. Explore our full range today.

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554 Reviews

Reviewsio

4.9 Rating 140 Reviews

Penelope Parkes

Verified Customer

Samples were posted out quickly & the footstools arrived fast. Well packaged. Very pleased

4 days ago

John Taylor

Verified Customer

Good quality footstool. The leather seems to be of good quality and the stool has sturdy legs. Well pleased with this purchase.

10 days ago

Paul Dwelly

Verified Customer

It's nice to be able to pick up the phone and speak to a human who actually knows the products, and can advise accordingly. Many thanks, the items look good in the office!

10 days ago

SUSAN BRIDGE

Verified Customer

Lovely stool, well made, arrived safely in good time

10 days ago

Jacqueline Prendiville

Verified Customer

Good quality and good price

12 days ago

Colin KYLE

Verified Customer

A quality footstool supplied very quickly at a very reasonable price. Choice of leather colours and foot options ensured we got the perfect match for our existing furniture

15 days ago

Alison Maver

Verified Customer

I was disappointed in my footstool to be honest. I’ve sent photos and a video showing the areas of flaws and I’m awaiting a response

18 days ago

John Turnbull

Verified Customer

Having free material samples and a choice of feet was helpful and we ordered 2 foot stalls that are well finished and met our expectations

20 days ago

Anne Wilson

Verified Customer

Husband loves it a great replacement for his cheap original footstool

1 months ago

Connie James

Verified Customer

Good communication and good delivery time.

1 months ago