Middle Ages and Leather

During the middle ages the most skilled users of leather were the Arabs and he Chinese. The Moors developed a remarkable skill in the curing and the crafting of leather goods. Morocco leather, obtained from the hides of goats is even today an expensive and prized article.

In Medieval England, the manufacture of leather goods was presided over by various crafting guilds. These guilds included Cordwainers (shoe makers), Couriers, Fletchers, Girdlers, Glovers, Homers (Bottle makers), Leather Sellers, Loriners, Saddlers, Skinners, Pursers, Tanners and Harness-makers as well as many others.

Leather was especially popular as a seat. Whether used in upholstery or saddle-making, leather was the material of choice due its durability, flexibility and comfort. Leather was also popular in the creation of art. Books and manuscripts, that had been painstakingly written out were bound in leather studded with precious gems and inlaid with turquoise and gold.