Leather is a natural product and the uniqueness of each hide is identified by growth lines, scars and other natural marks. It originally came from the skin of an animal and it’s important to bear this in mind. This naturalness gives the leather its beauty and unique character that distinguishes it from synthetic alternatives. Aged leather will obtain marks and some creases, yet these add to the leather’s unique characteristics and should not be regarded as defects and should not affect the long-term performance of your footstool. The leather ages over time, further enhancing its appearance.

Leather production is the second oldest industry known to man and the original method of tanning using vegetable extracts to make leather for warriors’ equipment (e.g. belts and saddles etc). This type of leather would typically last longer and remain more supple if it was fed. However, modern leather most frequently uses metal salts as a tanning compound and the lubricants used in the production process are much more advanced and refined than the products of yesteryear.

Leather is relatively easy and straightforward to clean and care for.

• Wipe away stains with a soft damp cloth as soon as they occur but take care not to scrub the surface
• Dust with a soft cloth and vacuum frequently to ensure that small particles of dirt don’t gather and abrade the leather
• Cleaners and conditioners are available to help maintain this aged leather type and we recommend that you use these from new. To buy these products we recommend our partners Buffalo Leather and Repair (01772 611449 or www.buffaloleather.co.uk)
• Simple stains can be cleaned using a specialist leather cleaning wipe. For longer-lasting and hard-to-remove stains, always refer to a stain industry professional.