SLTC and the Leather Conservation Centre to create
working group to support modern leather conservation
The Leather Conservation Centre (LCC) is a hugely important facility for the continued strength and longevity of the leather industry, and SLTC Council were delighted to recently agree a new collaboration that we hope will contribute to the valued work being carried out by the team at the LCC.
The LCC is an international organisation that has a wealth of information on how to treat, restore and preserve ancient and old leathers, but do not have enough knowledge or understanding on the composition of more modern leathers from circa 1920s onwards. Additionally, there is a lack of example modern leathers that can be referenced. You can find out more about the current knowledge gaps and chemistry objectives that LCC are looking for by clicking the link below:
Our SLTC membership is made up of eminently knowledgeable experts, leather technologists, scientists, chemists and educators and we believe that there is an opportunity for SLTC to support LCC with their endeavours. Therefore, Council have agreed to put a call out to convene a voluntary Working Group, chaired by Karl Flowers, that can support this collaboration. There are 2 main areas of focus:
- Understanding modern leather composition.
- Creating a library of modern leather samples / profile recipes for reference.
If you have experience that could support these objectives and / or would like to join this volunteer Working Group, please get in touch with our Membership Secretary by 31st December 2025 and we will be in touch with next steps.
In addition, if you have a tannery and would be prepared to offer some sample leathers with their composition recipes for LCC to reference and record, please also get in touch. Please note that proprietary information will be protected.
We look forward to developing a strong partnership for the heritage and future of leather.