Surplus Leather Project provides students sustainable leather access
Leather supplier Abbey England, in collaboration with The Leathersellers Foundation, has expanded its Surplus Leather Project, providing free access to high-quality, surplus leather for UK university students across design disciplines.
Launched in 2022 and praised by university partners, the initiative promotes sustainable practices and hands-on leatherworking experience.
With additional support from tanneries such as C.F. Stead, Scottish Leather Group, Sedgwick & Co, and Waltham Tannery, The Leathersellers Foundation has committed new funding to extend the project’s reach.
Leathersellers’ Master Nicholas Tusting emphasised the project’s impact, noting that students are now gaining crucial exposure to leather as a sustainable, versatile material.
University partners—including Birmingham City University, Central Saint Martins, De Montfort University, London College of Fashion, Royal College of Art, University of Northampton, and University of South Wales—have highlighted the value of these donations in enhancing students' skills and advancing sustainable design education.
Founded in 1982, Abbey England is a family-owned business. The company supplies premium English leathers, saddlery tools, and hardware, and holds a Royal Warrant to Her Majesty the Queen since 1999.
