Tusting & Burnett

Established in 1938, this fifth-generation, family-run British tannery is based in the scenic English countryside of North Bedfordshire. It specializes in producing both classic and high-fashion bespoke leathers, tanned and finished entirely in England on goat, cow, buffalo, and deer hides. Their leathers are highly sought after globally for luxury goods, handbags, small leather goods, footwear, and bookbinding.

The tannery was founded by Harrold Tusting and his Scottish wife, Bessie Burnett, on September 21, 1938, in Odell, Bedfordshire, marking the birth of the Tusting and Burnett name and legacy. Since then, it has remained within the family, evolving into a renowned fifth-generation English business. Robert Tusting, a graduate of the prestigious Northampton Leathersellers program and one of the first students at the Moulton Park Leathersellers’ Centre, continued the family tradition. With a longstanding focus on art, design, and fashion, the tannery is celebrated for its innovative leathers, including the pioneering vintage, antique look now widely admired in fashion and décor. A prime example of their craftsmanship is their trademarked Mad Dog® goat leather, a product frequently imitated yet unmatched in quality and distinctiveness.

More leathers are coming! Look out for additional Tusting & Burnett articles. We will be featuring Sokoto Bookbinder, Sokoto Dip-Dye, & Marsh.