Heritage / Family & Manufacturing / Ettinger Timeline

Ettinger Timeline


1930's: Foundation Years

Gerry Ettinger founded Ettinger in 1934. Having worked as a film producer in Italy and Germany (where he worked with Marlene Dietrich) he used his extensive contacts in continental Europe and England to create a range of luxury gifts, which became renowned throughout the UK for quality and innvoation.

Foundation Years

1940's: Recovering from the War

After a pause in the 1940's during the war, he returned to London to reinvigorate his business and with the growth in international trade, the business became very successful.

Recovering from the War Years

1950's-60's: Business Growth

As the master of five languages Gerry Ettinger was known for his international outlook and ability to do cross border deals at a time when international travel was still considered exotic. In the 1950's he acquired a small leather goods manufacturing business, which had been making leather goods in London since the 19th Century, and he used this foundation of craftsmanship and design to build the business which is Ettinger today.

Business Growth Years

1970's-80's: Consolidation Years

Gerry Ettinger continued to work in the business until well into his 80's and saw the transformation of the company into one of the most respected leather goods designers and manufacturers in the UK.

1975, the Saddle Hide Collection is launched.

Consolidation Years

1990's: Company Recognition

In 1990, Robert, his elder son took over the reins and continued the tradition of craftsmanship and quality as well as bringing in some more contemporary designs. He has since further 'internationalised' and developed the business in Asia, Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and the US. All these regions have become very important to the Ettinger brand.

Company Recognition Years

1992: Wimbledon Licence

The Wimbledon collection has grown tremendously since Ettinger obtained the prestigious Wimbledon Licence for various accessories in 1992.

Wimbledon Licence

1996: H.R.H The Prince of Wales

"By Appointment to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, Manufacturers of Leather Goods, G Ettinger Ltd London".

H.R.H the Prince of Wales

1999: James Homer Ltd

In July 1999, Ettinger acquired one of Walsall's oldest leather goods manufacturing companies, James Homer Ltd (established in 1890). This acquisition breathed new life into one of the oldest and last surviving English leather goods manufacturers in Walsall. Homer is at the heart of Ettinger's hand-made manufacturing process and is home to some of the most skilled leather craftsmen in the UK.

James Homer Ltd

2000's: Looking Ahead & Brand Development

At the turn of the century, Ettinger shows its vision of the future and designs outstanding new collections. The brand gains considerable awareness, without compromising on the family spirit and the quality of the craftsmanship.

Looking Ahead & Brand Development

2000: TT Launch

Ettinger celebrated the Millennium in its own way, by launching the award-winning TT collection, in collaboration with the famous PearsonLloyd design studio. This collection shows Ettinger's ability to innovate with its traditional heritage.

TT launch

2001: Walpole Membership

Further brand recognition was achieved when Ettinger was admitted by its peers into The Walpole, the British luxury brands organisation.

Walpole Membership

2005: Lifestyle Collection

A new collection is launched, bringing back some softness and simplicity to our ever-faster lifestyles.

Lifestyle Collection

2005: Bentley Collection

A fantastic collaboration with Bentley puts a whole new collection on the road.

Bentley Collection

2007: Showroom Makeover

The London showroom, in Ettinger's Putney Head Office, sets a new standard for the Brand.

Showroom makeover

2007: Antique Collection

This highly elegant collection is launched, using the finest hand-polished leather available.

Antique Collection

2008: Purple Collection

Launch of the striking Purple collection.

Purple Collection

2008: New Brand Image

The launch of the new Ettinger website showcases the new brand image and improves its relations with its customers worldwide. The dawn of a new era...

New Brand Image