Barrow family heritage continues at the Leathersellers
David Barrow has been appointed Master (Chair) of the Leathersellers, succeeding Martin Dove. A new Master is elected annually from the Court of Assistants, the organisation’s governing board.
His appointment continues a long connection with the leather trade. Mr Barrow’s family has been involved in leather since the early 19th century, with his great-great grandfather founding Samuel Barrow & Brother, which later became part of Barrow, Hepburn & Gale, one of the largest leather manufacturers in the Bermondsey area. Sir Samuel Barrow became the first member of the Barrow family to receive Freedom of the Leathersellers in 1886.
He has also contributed directly to the leather sector through his role as Chair of The Leathercraft Trust (formerly the Museum of Leathercraft) from 2017 to 2025, helping guide the organisation to its new home within Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. He remains a trustee and Treasurer of the Trust.
Mr Barrow, who trained in engineering and business administration, is Chairman of cast-stone manufacturer Haddonstone, a family business producing architectural stonework for projects in the UK and internationally.
During his year as Master, Barrow will oversee the Leathersellers’ work supporting education, communities and the leather industry, including the activities of The Leathersellers’ Foundation. The 2026/2027 period will mark the conclusion of the Foundation’s five-year Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Strategy, which is expected to have provided more than £10m in grants to over 100 charities across the UK.
