In his latest comment for ILM, Mike Redwood reflects on society’s hunger for the “next big thing” and suggests that perhaps calm, rather than constant speed and volume, is the pace of innovation most needed in the leather industry right now. Read More...
In his latest column for ILM, Mike Redwood comments on what is required to maintain a craft-based industry, using the example of the UK and Ireland's Timpson retailer to illustrate the value of not just repair, but also how we might use the "Timpson Test" to ensure the industry keeps on top of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices. Read More...
In his weekly column for ILM, Mike Redwood reflects on leather's story of durability, including the societal shift from making products last to making products that can be replaced. He examines the reasons why an item is replaced, noting that it is not just physical durability but also the emotional connotations, the fit and the fashion. Read More...
In his weekly column for ILM, Mike Redwood reflects on the town Walsall, renowned for its trade and specifically, its saddlery industry. As a result of its history, the town was home to the Leather Museum, for which industry experts have been fighting to keep active over the past year. Read More...
Drawing on research for an upcoming book on the leather industry, which revealed the surprising presence of Quaker, Baptist, Unitarian and other nonconformists in the sector, Mike Redwood reflects on how values of patience, trust and reputation underpin the success of tanners. Read More...
Mike Redwood reflects on the trajectory of his career in the leather industry, including not just the impact of an important mentor but also the social, political and economic factors that influenced it. Read More...
Mike Redwood takes a moment to explore the paradigm shifts that leather has endured and the numerous lenses through which it has been viewed over the years, noting the need to obsess less on growth as a measure of value and focus on leather’s full use over time. Read More...
Mike Redwood reflects on 2025, the peaks and challenges the leather industry has faced, as well as what might come from 2026. From footwear trends to persisting anti-leather arguments, he takes 2025's lessons and suggests some hopeful next steps. Read More...
Mike Redwood reflects on the Coach brand: its evolution from a workshop to a globally respected brand, and what this level of growth means for craft quality. Read More...
Mike Redwood reflects on the concept of a strong, united Europe, the historic success of EU initiatives in the leather industry, as well as what the current style of EU regulation means for the future of leathermaking. Read More...
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