ICLT: End of an era
The Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT), part of the University of Northampton, formally closed on July 31, marking the end of more than a century of formal leather education in the town.
The institute’s origins can be traced back to 1893 in South London, where it was established under the Leathersellers’ Company. A dedicated leather college was built there in 1909. The leather training provision later moved to Northampton, becoming part of Nene College and eventually the University of Northampton.
In 2019, the ICLT relocated from the university’s former Park Campus to a purpose-built facility at Waterside Campus. Officially opened in September that year, the new 27,000 square-feet, two-storey building housed Europe’s only working university tannery, alongside testing laboratories, teaching rooms and commercial research space. It was intended as a global centre of excellence for leather education and innovation.
The university confirmed the closure of the ICLT in December 2023, citing a “severe decline in student numbers”, financial pressures, and falling international recruitment following Brexit and the covid-19 pandemic.
A small group of former students, staff and industry representatives gathered to mark the institute’s final day on July 31.
In a statement, the university told Leatherbiz: “While the University of Northampton will no longer offer its leather technology courses, leather will remain a key component of the work of students on our fashion, textiles and footwear course. The university maintains a close partnership with The Leathersellers’ Company, which provides funding for students at all levels to be introduced to leather and its qualities, with guest speakers, workshops and trips to UK-based tanneries.”
