Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, UK · Traditional tannery since the early 1980s
Est. early 1980s · Northamptonshire, England

Fine goatskin & calfskin bookbinding leather, tanned the traditional way

Harmatan & Oakridge Leathers 2008 Ltd. hand-select, tan and finish bookbinding leather at our small specialist tannery, and distribute it to binders and conservators around the world.

New additions to the range

Ivory
Mint
The Stationers’ Company Warrant, 2022
Worldwide distribution to specialist binders
Please note: we do not sell any of our products via eBay. Please beware of cheaper, but poorly or incorrectly tanned, bookbinding leather advertised online.
Special limited-edition colours

Still available while stocks last

A small selection of limited-edition shades remains in stock — once they’re gone, they won’t be repeated.

Chestnut Brown
Celebration E-O Pink
Seville Orange
Peacock Blue
Cherry
Hydrangea

Contact us for details or to place an order →

Our ranges

Five ranges, each suited to a different craft

Every skin is selected and finished for the specific demands of fine binding, from supple aniline-dyed goatskin to heavy-grain calf for larger works.

Fine Leather

Sumac-tanned, hand-polished goatskin with the natural grain fully on show. No pigment, no grain correction.

View range →

Katsina Goatskin

Natural grained, vegetable-tanned goatskin with a semi-aniline finish.

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Gambetta

Printed-grain goat and calf with a strong, identifiable grain — also suited to upholstery and leather goods.

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Calf

Pure vegetable-tanned calfskin, 0.9–1mm thickness, for fine detailed work.

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Bookcalf

Traditionally tanned calfskin with a smooth grain finish, in a range of thicknesses.

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Not sure which to choose?

We’re happy to offer expert advice on the right leather for your application.

Talk to us →
Traditional tannery

Skill and judgement that machines still can’t replicate

All our leathers are created using traditional methods at our small, highly specialised tannery in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire — an area with a long history of leather production. The production method has changed little over the centuries, handed down through generations of small-scale farmers and tanners.

From here, our quality leathers are distributed worldwide to a diverse range of clients who enjoy working with these fine skins.

Read about our process →

Why binders choose Harmatan

  • Family owned and operated since the early 1980s
  • Skilled tannery staff, traditional craft methods
  • Only Sumac and other natural, vegetable tannage
  • The Stationers’ Company Warrant, awarded 2022
  • Worldwide stockists and direct shipping