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The Leatherwork courses provided by Valerie Michael and Neil MacGregor are based upon the techniques described in ‘The Leatherworking Handbook’ and  experience of over 40 years as designers and makers of hand stitched leathergoods.  Tuition is centred upon design and craftsmanship awareness, so for students who are particularly interested in contemporary fashion accessories or more traditional leathergoods, these highly regarded courses provide the  foundation and progression students require.

For 2013 we are offering beginners courses as well as courses for those wishing to further develop their skills as designers and makers, including Bag Design, Leather Restoration & repair techniques, Travel BagsSmall Leathergoods, Leather box & case covering techniques and Mens Leathergoods.  A new course ‘Leather covered trunks’ is for those with experience or who have already studied with us.  Look at ‘Course Details’ at the top and on the right of this page to find out more. Scroll down to the course calendar below for full listings.  To book a course, fill in a booking form and email or fax it or telephone.

These practical courses (see course calendar) teach students how to design & make a wide range of leather goods using only hand techniques. These include bags for women and men, cases, belts and associated fashion accessories, small leathergoods including wallets & purses, travel bags/luggage etc, using vegetable tanned leathers. Students are encouraged to develop their own individual styles and helped to experiment and explore the creative potential of leather.


All courses take place in our workshop so with a maximum of only 4 or 5 students per course, everyone receives individual tuition.
A set of tools is provided for each student to use and a range of leathers, hand tools, metal fittings and other materials are available for students to buy, if they wish. Patterns and course notes are provided for specialist courses and a ‘Suppliers List’ is given to students when they arrive. Lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments are provided within the course fees. See the drop down menu for full course details .

Daily session times are 9.00am – 5.30pm.

Tetbury Leather Workshop

Making leather box

How to get to Tetbury and where to stay see FAQ

To book any of the following courses: complete the booking form and send with your deposit cheque or card details to: MacGregor and Michael, 37 Silver Street, Tetbury, Glos GL8 8DL. UK

OR Telephone: (0044) 01666 502179 with credit/debit cards details

OR  Email

If you want to secure a place, please email your Booking Form as soon as possible. then arrange payment of the deposit by your preferred method.

Once a booking has been made and the course deposit paid, you receive a ‘Student learning contract & agreement’ as confirmation. For information about session times, lunch arrangements, location, travel information, places to stay, cancellation conditions etc see FAQ. For up to date availability of places  for  2013 see the Course Calendar below. Dates for 2014 will be available at the beginning of September so if you want to be an ‘early bird’ and receive notification of the 2014 program, please email.Thank you.

Please email us with your details so we can add you to the Reserve List and contact you if there is a cancellation on any course that appears to be FULL.

Dates for  2013Course Title Places Available
January 19-20Making hand stitched leathergoods (bags, belts, cases, dog collars etc)
February 2-3 Making hand stitched leathergoods(bags, belts, cases, dog collars etc)
March 4-8Spring School -Making hand stitched leathergoods (bags, belts, moulding, dog collars, boxes et
March 11-15Bag making and designing hand-stitched leather bags
April 8-12Leather restoration and repair techniques
April 20-21Making hand stitched leathergoods (bags, belts, cases, dog collars etc)
May 17-19Small leathergoods
June 1-2Decorated Leather (Tooling, carving, inlay, onlay, gilt leather etc.)
June 29-30Making hand stitched leathergoods (bags, belts, cases, dogcollars etc)
July 3-7Leather box and case covering techniques
July 29 - August 2Summer School - Making hand stitched leathergoods (bags, belts, small leathergoods,moulding, dog collars, boxes etc
August 5-10Travel Bags
September 22-27Leather covered trunks
October 19-20Making hand stitched leathergoods (bags, belts, cases, dog collars etc)
October 22-27Bag making and designing hand stitched leather bags including framed bags
November 18-22Mens leathergoods
December 7-8Making hand stitched leathergoods (bags, belts, cases, dog collars etc)