The London Lounge

Now that Tanner Krolle has gone to the dark side, which bridle leathergoods maker would you consider as a substitute? Swaine Adeney, Papsworth, Pickett etc? I would like to look at some bridle briefcases when I am in London in a couple of weeks.

Pickett do not make their merchandise, but they have a complete grasp of who the best manufacturers are. Depending on your particular needs and budget, they will recommend the most appropriate craftman for your commission.

I was under the impression that the people who used to make Tanner Krolle before it was sold to Italy still exist (at least they did a few years ago). Ask the people at Pickett.

Pricey but forever, stop in at Swaine Adeny on St. James.

DDM

You cannot go wrong with Swaine Adeney for bridle leather. You should note that they offer their bridle hide briefcases in both hand-stitched and machine-stitched versions. I recently attended an event where SA&B had someone demonstrating the hand-stitching of briefcases - the level of workmanship is extremely high.

Pickett take some beating and I suspect are as good as Swaine A and B

Does anyone have experience of ordering bespoke bridle leather stuff from Smythsons

I just purchased a Tustings Clipper bag in brown bridle leather. Very satisfied. Should provide years of wear and graceful aging, much like my wife!

was the Tustings Clipper bag in bridle leather a special order?

Since the thread is revived, I might add that Bill Amberg in London has some lovely contemporary designs in bridle. For traditional design, Swaine Adeney is a good option.

kolecho wrote:Since the thread is revived, I might add that Bill Amberg in London has some lovely contemporary designs in bridle. For traditional design, Swaine Adeney is a good option.

Where in London is Bill Amberg, and does it/he have a website

Tusting, to my knowledge is not bridle.

The clipper is great but it becomes a little slouchey over the years. I've just taken the plunge and ordered a Swaine Doctor's bag with a padded center section for a computer and an out pocket on the back for a newspaper/plane tickets. Time will tell if it is too stiff for plane travel as my lid-over-top model is. I've never loved the handle on the Tusting while my Swaine is a joy. (I donl't know what it says about me, but there you are)

Bill Amberg has some great bags, run his name through google and you'll find a site and an address in Notting Hill I think. He is making a great muesette bag, what he calls a truffle bag, and if you are a shooter he has a shotgun sleeve that needs to be seen. Full length zip with a wicking pile, perfect technical specs for real field kit. From the site, his leathers look dark. Traditional oak tanning, I presume. Never wrong, but not wondeful and warm as the chestnut and other colors.

Still, I'd probably buy the truffle and the sleeve without seeing them. Amberg is a genius at the simple. Don't get too hung up on fit and finish. 's not about kid linings. His is artisinal durability meaning that the article will probably never look as bad as when it leaves the shop. Not such a bad thing.

DDM

Tusting Clipper is not bridle, and yes the handle is a bit flimsy IMO. Take a look at Amberg's classic bridle briefcases - Rocket bag and Medicine bag. It is a lesson in fine design interpretation. They look great in tan, a new colour that Amberg stocks of recent.

Tusting handle not only flimsy, but outright uncomfortable.

what are views on bridle leather goods by Dunhill?

Mr JRM wrote:what are views on bridle leather goods by Dunhill?

The Dunhill Tradition range offers a few items in bridle leather.