Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT)
Professional Training | Research and Enterprise | Staff | History of leather in Northampton |
What is the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT)?
The Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) is a unique research and education centre. Our research responds to the scientific and technological needs of the automotive, fashion, footwear and allied leather industries.
Understanding new and traditional leather processing techniques expands the possibilities of how leather can be used. Our research programme has an impact on diverse sectors, including medical and technological applications.
The partnerships that we have also take leather developments into engineering, media and fashion.
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The Leathersellers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. Founded by royal charter in 1444 with authority to control the sale of leather within the City. It no longer has this regulatory role, and instead devotes its energies to support for charity, education and the British leather trade. The company has supported the leather provision at UON for many years.
The Girdlers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. The company has been operating since 1328 and historically involved in providing standards and enforcement for the manufacture of girdles (or belts). The company now acts on a charitable basis which includes supporting educational needs, including supporting leather students at UON.
Leather UK represents the entire UK leather industry at a national and international level. The organisations also works closely with and influences education faculties to support and develop the next generation of leather technologists and design and fashion students. Working closely with Leather UK greatly enriches the student experience for leather students here at ICLT and UON.
The Leather Conservation Centre offers a comprehensive service in the conservation of leather objects of historic, cultural and artistic importance for national and local museums, historic houses and private clients. The LCC engages in training and research into improved methods of leather conservation.
The Museum of Leathercraft is based in the heart of the UK’s leather and footwear industry, Northampton. Their unique focus on leather makes it a valued resource for aesthetic, technological and design studies and is on the doorstep to the ICLT on Waterside campus.