THE NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS

Real leather is a natural product that breathes, it’s warm and it has individual characteristics which make each hide unique. Leather will always bear the marks of its natural origin and these characteristics can show up as healed scars, neck growth marks, and areas of differing fibre density and hair pore structure. These hallmarks in no way detract from the wearing qualities of the leather. With the passing of time and use, the leather develops a patina which enhances its beauty. These markings are signs discerning owners cherish with their leather upholstery.

1. GROWTH MARKS & VEINS

Indicates the age of the animal similar to that of the graining on a piece of timber. Markings range from often quite pronounced marks in the neck area to subtle bands across the hide perpendicular to the backbone.

2. SCARS

Are usually formed from barbed wire damage or by the horns of other cattle. In their healed form the new skin is as strong as the remainder of the hide.

3. GRAIN VARIATION

The fibre texture varies greatly... from being loose in the belly and flank areas to being relatively tight across the backbone. The looser areas consequently have more stretch. This variation in hair pore structure is particularly noticeable in untextured leather.

4. SHADE VARIATION

No two hides are alike and due to the varying structure mentioned above the dyes and finishes penetrate to differing degrees in different parts of the hide to give an attractive variation. Every attempt is made to achieve uniformity, however, it is not always possible due to the fact that there are various textures, shade variations and that a number of hides are required to make a suite.