Natalie Thakur, Leather Worker

Leatherworker of the Year Award 2024

Bedfordshire leatherworker Natalie Thakur won the inaugural Leatherworker of the Year Award, supported by the British Leather Industry Development Trust, including a £2,000 prize and trophy awarded at a special presentation at Eltham Palace on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

The award, supported by British Leather Industry Development Trust, celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to leatherworking over the past year. It recognises a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, based on a proven dedication to a particular leatherworking skill.

After studying Contemporary Applied Arts at Middlesex University in London, Natalie Thakur went on to study leatherwork at the London College of Fashion. She initially started out working in bespoke leather interiors, before starting up her own brand Natthakur and pioneering techniques such as hand-painted leather marquetry, specialist leather moulding, and hand-crafted sculptural relief. She has been stocked in some of the most prestigious shops in the world, including Selfridges, Le Bon Marche in Paris, Takashimaya and The V&A, and was selected for ‘The Best of British’ at Liberty’s London.