The gun trade has always relied on outworkers for all kinds of specialist crafts. In Birmingham’s heyday, when it was the oft-touted the ‘Workshop of the World’, there were countless auxiliary businesses supporting the major gunmakers.
Today, the economic landscape is much changed and to ensure security of supply and guarantee quality, as well as grow the company’s position as a leading leather goods brand, Westley Richards is increasingly bringing such trades in-house. So, it has been with the steady expansion of the leather workshop, which is integral with the gun-making factory. With recent additions, it now boasts eight full-time leather workers.
Unlike our competitors in field sports and beyond, the decision to bring leatherwork under the umbrella of Westley Richards, rather than white label another company’s products, has been vindicated in recent years by the consistent quality and innovation we have brought to the luggage and sporting goods range.
We now stand proudly as the benchmark to which others look when considering a range of dedicated shooting sports and adventure travel accessories. As we control every element of design and manufacture, we can ensure that our range stays ahead of the competition.
One consequence of this success is a rapidly filling order book, and we had been experiencing longer delivery times for our hand-made bags. There was no other option than to set out on a recruitment drive and hire, train and engage the next generation of leather workers. That investment is already paying dividends, with the time from order to delivery significantly shortened, while quality and attention to detail remains steadfast.
Among the most popular and enduring models from the range is the Sutherland travel bag, which is available in three sizes and several canvas, leather and suede options, including periodic limited editions. Always hand-made, always from the finest materials. Other favourites include the Bournbrook 48hr bag and our beloved Bishop crossbody bag, now available in a larger capacity version – Bishop Hill bag.
From our sporting range, the Anson cartridge bag is very traditional in appearance and unforgettably beautiful to behold. Hand-stitched using traditional waxed thread and cut from the very best vegetable tanned, supple, yet structured hides, it is a cartridge bag for three generations to use with pleasure and confidence. It is unique to Westley Richards and in a league of its own.
With case-making now also in-house, Westley Richards will continue to consolidate every facet of what makes us special by placing it under the same roof at Pritchett Street. We are determined that everything leaving the premises upholds the no-compromise quality of our best gun-making tradition, be that a bag or a belt or a gun case.
The best way to be sure those standards are upheld is to do everything ourselves.
Westley Richards has been outfitting its clients for with fine leather goods as long as it has been building custom rifles and bespoke guns for them. Whether you are on safari in the African bush, in Paris for the weekend, or in New York on business, our heirloom quality leather luggage strikes the perfect balance between functionality, durability and timeless elegance. Made in our leather factory in Birmingham side by side with the gunmaking, the company offers a range of luxury travel bags made from leather and canvas, including holdalls, briefcases, backpacks, messenger bags and weekend bags. The perfect partner to our high quality safari wear and country clothing.
