Why put leather on a writing surface? Isn't it difficult to look after?

Apart from being traditional and authentic to have leather on a writing surface, there are also reasons of warmth, ease of writing, luxury and prestige! Glass can be cold, and get scratched or smudgy. Timber can be cold and hard and easily scratched too. It also can look a little bland having the timber on the desk top as well as everywhere else.

Because they are made of high quality materials which are sealed, our leather inserts wear well and require little maintenance. We often find the ones we are replacing are between 50 and 100 years old! Basically, all you have to do is wipe dust off with a soft cloth: clean up an spills straight away; and depending on climatic conditions, give it a light wax over each year.

Heavy and sharp objects can mark any top, be it timber, leather or glass, so common sense care is required. Drink coasters are recommended and are available from us in matching gold tooling designs.

Does the gold rub off?

The traditional methods used in our workshop have been handed down through the generations and involve a heat application of the 22ct gold. This actually seals and embosses the gold into the leather. So the gold lies below the surface, and therefore doesn't tend to rub off, even with heavy usage.

What colours of leather are available?

We hold two types of leather in our standard range, "Australian" and "English". The Australian range of colours include Black 2015, Antique Green 2020 and Antique Burgundy 2005. In the English range of colours we have Black 0015, Antique Green 0020, Antique Burgundy 0005, Antique Olive Green 0017 and Antique Blue 0016.

When choosing a colour you need to keep in mind the decor of the room and the colour stain of the surrounding timber on the furniture item.

If you want something other than our standard range of leather colours, just ask. Almost any colour of the rainbow is possible, however the price will usually be higher than prices for our standard range.

What is Australian leather?

The Australian range of leather is from Australia and New Zealand cattle raised in open paddock conditions. Their hides may be marked from other members of their herd, vegetation, parasites and barbed wire fences. Such marks are considered normal and part of the character of the leather. We avoid using sections of leather with extremely obvious marks. The grain in the Australian range of leather is usually coarser than that found in the English range. However it is still considered by many to be a good writing surface.

What is English leather?

The English range of leather is from the United Kingdom and European cattle. These animals are specifically bred for their hides under very protected conditions. Hence the markings are minimal, and the size of the hides are quite large. The grain is generally quite fine and perfect for a writing surface. These hides are quite luxurious and withstand wear better than the Australian leathers.

What is meant by Antiquing and Sealing?

Australian hides are automatically antiqued in a very uniform manner. They are supplied with the antiquing stain already applied by the manufacturer of the hide to give an olde appearance.

English hides can be "antiqued" by hand in a uniform fashion across the whole hide, or they can be antiqued in a way to make them look as though they are quite aged, but in good condition. The second option leaves a lighter shading in the centre and front, where you would normally expect to see wear over time. When ordering, just state your preference, with regards to the antiquing process.

All our hides are sealed, which means there is a protective layer to minimise penetration of sweat, coffee, water etc into the leather. This protective layer also prevents household or office micro climate having much of an impact on leather.

The advantage of having the leather insert sealed, is that a wipe over with a slightly damp cloth, followed by a towel dry, can be done without harming the hide. This helps to stop stains from building up from usage and spills etc.

Which 22ct Gold Tooling Design will I choose?

When choosing a design you can simply go for personal preference, or you can think about the style and age of the furniture it is being laid into.

There are many tooling designs in our standard range for you to select from and design your own special combinations. Some people enjoy this process and others find it daunting or overwhelming. You can simply ask us to do whatever we think is best for your piece of furniture, or you can choose from one of our standard Combination Tooling Designs, coded 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1004.

If the leather is going to be wrapped around a board which is then dropped into the desk then you would not have a black picket pattern (usually tooling codes T003, T004 and T005) on the edge. This black picket edge is normally used when a leather insert is laid straight onto a desk top.

What if I want 22ct Gold Tooling which is not in your standard range?

If you have an original leather on your piece which is tooled in a design not shown in our range, or if you'd like initialing, or corporate logos included, just ask - anything is possible.

When copying an original design we need a rubbing of the old tooling design or preferably a very clean black and white, actual size version of it. Bromides aren't necessary, though we certainly would use it if supplied. If you want a logo or something else, you will need to supply a very clean black and white version of it, in the actual size you want it. After we have all this, we can provide a quote.

Can anyone fit the 22ct Gold Tooling Leather Inserts?

Skilled cabinetmaking hobbyists and tradespeople would have sufficient ability to lay these tops. Don't hesitate to ask anything about the preparation of the top's surface or the actual fitting of these inserts.

Generally speaking, any defect in the board or the joinery below the insert will be quite obvious once the leather is fitted. It can spoil the whole piece, so it is better to prepare the surface properly in the first instance. We will send fitting instructions with the insert if you require them.

It is very important to unwrap the goods immediately you receive them. They are best laid flat on a smooth clean surface, until you are ready to fit them.

How do I obtain a quote?

To obtain a quote on a 22ct gold embossed leather insert, using leather tooling from our standard range, we just need you to send us details by telephone, fax or email. We need to know the dimensions and you'll need to inform us whether you would like English or Australian leather.

All tops are different, so we put the figures into our spreadsheet program for the price. The price includes registered, insured delivery anywhere in Australia, but overseas delivery prices will be extra (price on asking). We can fit the leather insert for you, price on asking.

If you want anything outside our standard range you must provide all the details before a quote can be done.

How do I order?

When ordering, you will need to tell us full details on everything, and we have an order form you can fill out.

If you are satisfied with the quote, simply sign it and fax, post or email it to us. Also, if you live outside of the Brisbane metropolitan area, you will need to pay for the insert in advance by cheque, bank cheque, postal money order or direct deposit into our bank account. Keep in mind that the fax is only turned on from 8am to 4pm Eastern Standard Time, Australia.

We commence working once the money is received, and deliver to Australian addresses within 7 days of receipt of money. It will take two to four weeks delivery overseas depending upon the destination.