William Irven’s work is inspired by the rich history of making that surrounded his childhood in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Ancient ribbons of stone-work drape the moors and watching his grandfather craft oak tables and chairs for his family gave William a huge respect for sustainable, hand-made work.

William Irven works entirely by hand, using traditional and modern methods of stitching; with awl and with stitching chisels. Saddle-stitching is from a time when things were made to last, if not a lifetime — then certainly a good chunk of one. The traditional and slow process involves two needles and waxed threads sewn in opposite directions, creating a strong seam that does not unravel, unlike machine sewn stitches.

Previously working with vegetable tanned leather from natural tanneries in Europe and the UK, William Irven is now only sourcing leather and hardware from within the UK.