ABOUT LEATHERSMITH OF LONDON 

ESTABLISHED IN 1839

Leathersmith of London was founded in 1839 with a commitment to British craftsmanship and exceptional leather goods.

For nearly two centuries, we have created luxury stationery and accessories rooted in traditional skills, precision finishing, and meticulous attention to detail.

Our heritage is not simply a reference to the past, but a living practice, one we incorporate into every product, designed to be used, treasured, and carried through the years.

Where Craft Begins

Long before a Leathersmith book reaches the desk, it begins in the bindery. Generations of skilled hands have shaped our tradition of British bookbinding — a craft built on precision, patience and an enduring respect for making things well.

A Name with History

The Leathersmith story traces its roots to T.J. & J. Smith, founded in London in 1839. In 1987, the company merged with H. Neale & Co., bringing together two traditions of British bookbinding and forming part of the heritage that continues behind Leathersmith today.

Made by Hand. Made to Last.

For generations, Leathersmith has created pieces made to mark life’s moments. From our iconic Five Year Diary to enduring diary styles carried through the decades, the tradition continues: thoughtful objects, beautifully made, chosen to be given and kept.

MADE IN ESSEX

In 2023, we opened a purpose-built factory and book bindery in Canvey Island, Essex, bringing design and production together under one roof.

Here, our diaries and journals are hand bound using time-honoured techniques, alongside modern processes and contemporary design thinking.

Every piece passes through skilled hands before it reaches yours.

CRAFT & MATERIALS

We work with carefully selected leathers, specialist paper stocks, and refined finishing techniques, including hand-stitching, gold page edging, embossing, and personalisation.

Each detail is meticulously considered.
Each product is designed to endure.

OUR PHILOSOPHY 

We believe craftsmanship must evolve to remain relevant.

Our mission is to preserve and advance British leather craftsmanship, creating products that honour tradition while embracing modern colour, culture, and design.

Our vision is to establish Leathersmith as a contemporary British heritage house, one where timeless craft meets the lifestyle of today.

Tradition has its place and so does innovation. Leathersmith exists in the space between the two.

"I am incredibly pleased and proud to introduce our latest collections, designed and produced in our new factory. We look forward to meeting you in person at one of the UK or European trade shows this year, or on a visit to our new facilities in Essex.”
Simon Burstein, CEO