About us
Hutchings & Harding Ltd was established in 1897 and remains a private company. Modern technology has been harnessed to the traditional skills and craftsmanship of the leather industry, providing a top quality chamois leather product with a personal customer service. Based in Sawston, just seven miles from the famous University town of Cambridge in Eastern England and 50 miles from London, our tannery dates back to 1645. We distribute our chamois leather and other products around the world, through agents, distributors, wholesalers and direct outlets, depending on the territory. We welcome enquiries from all interested parties.
A tannery on our site in Sawston was already producing chamois leather.
The tannery was greatly expanded by Thomas Evans, the previous owner of our site, who installed the first steam-powered engines for a chamois leather tannery anywhere in the world.
Walter Hutchings was making chamois leather near Portsmouth in southern England. He later wrote that "the firm had problems with trade unions and a strike was called. I was given the option of leaving the union or leaving my job". He left and walked 140 miles to Sawston, where he set up his own business.
Hutchings found a financial backer in the stationery supplier Mr Harding and our company was founded.
Hutchings wanted to retire after more than 50 years running the company. Through the leather trade he is introduced to the wealthy Mr Crisp, who acquires the business.
Ernest Ettling was working at James Garner's leather factory in London when the opportunity to purchase Hutchings & Harding arose. He asked his son, Barry Ettling, who had just finished military service, to move to Sawston to become managing director at the age of 27.
Hutchings & Harding acquired the Thomas Evans factory site in Sawston and moved from the original Portobello Lane location.
Barry Ettling passed the business on to his son, John Ettling.
Today Hutchings & Harding continues to excel as a tannery for chamois leather, skiver leather and pickled grains. Our main activity remains the tanning of selected sheep pelts from around the world – exactly as it was when first established over 100 years ago.
We have a pride in our product and service that enables us to claim with justification 'the world's finest chamois'.