About the courses
The Leatherwork courses provided by Valerie Michael and Neil MacGregor , macgregorandmichael.com , are based upon the techniques described in ‘The Leatherworking Handbook’ and experience of 50 years as designers and makers of hand stitched leathergoods. Tuition is centred upon an awareness of both craftsmanship and design, so for students who are particularly interested in contemporary fashion accessories or more traditional leathergoods, these highly regarded courses provide the foundation and progression students require.
2025 Leatherwork Courses
Our courses cover a range of abilities and be of different lengths, depending on the complexity of the syllabus. We only have 4 students per course so everyone receives plenty of individual tuition. Look at each of the course details pages for descriptions, dates and costs.
We have places still on these courses:
Winter School 1 – 7 February ( 6 days)
Top Frame Briefcases 29 March – 6 April (8 days)
If a course you are interested in is full, please email us to be put on the Reserve list in case of cancellations, this does happen.
These are practical courses. We teach students how to design & make a wide range of leather goods using only hand techniques. These include bags for women and men, cases, belts and associated fashion accessories, small leather goods including wallets & purses, travel bags/luggage, etc, using vegetable tanned leathers. Students are encouraged to develop their own individual styles and are helped to experiment and explore the creative potential of leather.
All courses take place in our workshop and with a very small group. A set of tools is provided and a range of leathers, hand tools, metal fittings and other materials are available for students to buy if they wish. Patterns and course notes are provided for specialist courses and a ‘Suppliers List’ is supplied. Lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments are provided within the course fees.
Daily session times are 9.00am – 5.15 pm (Sundays 9.00am to 5.00pm)
How to get to Tetbury and where to stay see FAQ
To book: simply select the course and add to the shopping cart.
Once a booking has been made and the course deposit paid, you will receive a ‘Booking confirmation, a student learning contract & agreement’ within 7 days, as confirmation. This includes information about payment of the balance of your fee, session times, lunch arrangements, location, travel information, places to stay, etc. See our Terms and Conditions which includes our cancellation and refunds policy.
If the course you want is sold out then please email us and ask to be placed on the Reserve List so you can be contacted in case of cancellations. For course information updates and additional course dates please sign up to our Early bird list.
