Walpole - A Showcase For British Luxury

For over 70 years, Ettinger has created the finest leather goods, crafting everything in British workshops, and in 1996 it was granted a Royal Warrant

The luxurious textures, warm colours and exceptional durability of leather has given it a timeless appeal. Ettinger of London has been designing and manufacturing fine leather goods for over 70 years, and its eclectic range of over 400 products combines the traditional – such as hunting and shooting accessories – with modern designs such as mobile-phone holders, reflecting our continuing love affair with high quality leather goods.

Gerry Ettinger founded the company in 1934, a stark contrast from his previous role as a film producer, working with such stars as Marlene Dietrich. He used his mastery of five languages and extensive contacts in Europe to build a luxury gifts business renowned for quality and innovation. His global perspective and ability to do cross-border deals was unusual at the time – international travel was still considered exotic – but it allowed him to source many classic and unique gifts and accessories. Ettinger’s international outlook has remained broad up to this day, with Gerry’s older son, Robert, continuing to expand into Asia and beyond, since he took over the reins in 1990.

Leather had always been a cornerstone of the business, but the acquisition of leathergoods manufacturing business – including the renowned Walsall company James Homer Ltd, established in 1890 – allowed Ettinger to build an exceptional foundation of skilled craftsmanship and design, and established the company as a thriving and highly respected leathergoods manufacturer.

In 1992, the company was awarded the prestigious Wimbledon licence, allowing it to produce a range of exclusive gifts for the world-renowned tennis championships and tennis club. But it was in 1996 when its status was formally recognised, with the appointment of the Royal Warrant to HRH The Prince of Wales. This special honour gave Ettinger the right to carry the Prince-of-Wales cipher of three feathers on all its products, and on the presentation boxes for the prestigious Ettinger Collection and Bridle Hide Collection.

This family business is now the hands of the third generation of Ettingers. Every aspect of the production process, from design, through pattern-making, cutting and stitching, is undertaken by the hands of the experts, each of whom plays a vital role in delivering outstanding products to the customer. These products are improved though constant innovation, but the company does not blindly follow the latest fashion or trend. Its ranges and products are designed and made to last many generations, so that our children’s children might treasure an Ettinger product that is being crafted today in the company’s workshops.

Ettinger products are available from leading retailers throughout the world, including Mappin and Webb stores in the UK. The company is also in great demand for the high quality of its custom-made pieces, such as Walpole-branded leather business-card cased, designed to hold the Walpole Privilege Card.

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