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Historical Leather Facts
- The use of leather dates back to pre-historic man, when he used hides to make rudimentary forms of clothing and shelter.
- The earliest historical evidence of the use of leather dates back to 1300 BC!
- The use of leather in ancient times has been found in all cultures most especially, China, Africa and North America.
- One of the first written records of the tanning process was Homer’s Iliad.
- The original tanning process took over a year to complete! (Nowadays it can be accomplished in a few days)
- Some of the ancient tanning processes like the use of smoke, vegetable and bark extracts as well as animal fats are still used today.
- The process of dyeing leather was first developed in the 12th century.
- Archaeological sites from across the globe have found the same implements used for tanning irrespective of geographical location or time period (a leather tannery in the ancient city of Pompeii had the same tools as are used today)
- Ancient leather workers closely guarded their secrets and methods of preparing the leather only passing their technique down from father to son.
- In the Middle Ages in Europe, the leather workers came together to form guilds to improve their techniques and work.
- In 16th century England handmade leather mugs were extremely popular especially to bring to the pub so you had your own, personal mug for that pint.
- In the 17th century in Italy it became increasingly fashionable to have your home wall-papered with leather.
- The first leather shoe made with shoelaces was made in 1790, but it wasn’t till 1818 that different shoes were made for right and left feet.
- Golf balls were once made with leather and stuffed with feathers.
- Throughout history there has always been a greater demand for leather from certain animal hides that was coveted more than others. Eg: Exotic leathers.
- Leather has consistently been used for book binding throughout history because it is good for maintaining otherwise fragile books. Leather binding protects paper from high temperatures, high humidity, low humidity, light exposure, dust, pollution, mold and bugs.
