Our Story

Jonah Leather is rooted in a story that spans generations — a story of craft, family, and the quiet influence of the people who shape us. My Dad, Jez, the founder of Jonah Leather, discovered his love for leatherwork through the example of his grandfather, a man affectionately known in our family as “German Jack.” The nickname came from his time as a prisoner of war in WWII, but the true legacy he passed down wasn’t about the war at all — it was about the careful, patient craftsmanship he practiced every day.

Jack spent countless hours repairing horse brasses and restoring leather goods, working with a steadiness and pride that left a lasting impression on my dad. As a young boy watching him work, my dad learned to appreciate the beauty of creating something with your hands — the value of detail, the respect for good materials, and the satisfaction in making things that are meant to last.

Throughout his life, whether growing up in a mining town or serving in the British Army, my dad always carried an artistic streak with him. He painted, created, and filled our home with handmade things that meant more because they were made by him. But it wasn’t until he returned to leather that he found the craft that felt like home — a medium that connected his creativity with the legacy that had been quietly passed down to him.

In 2020, he founded Jonah Leather, driven by that connection and by his love for making things that people will carry, use, and treasure. Every item — from bespoke belts to bags and valet trays — is crafted with intention, using materials chosen for their durability and character. Like the work he watched as a child, his creations are designed to age beautifully, telling a story that deepens over time.

Our best-selling pieces, such as the Dalesman and the Endeavour, reflect the same values that inspired my Dad from the beginning: tradition, pride in workmanship, and the belief that the things we make should last.

At its heart, Jonah Leather is a tribute — to German Jack’s steady hands, to the lessons learned in a workshop long ago, and to the joy my dad finds in creating something honest and enduring.

We’re proud to share that story, and the craft behind it, with you.