History of Leather Products

01AugAugust 1, 2021

Mackenzie Leather craftsmen recreate the first Calcutta Cup Rugby Ball

The Mackenzie craftsmen have tuned their skills to something a little more sporting... Instead of working leather for bags, belts and briefcases, the team have taken on an historical replication project; recreating the rugby ball used in the first ever international game of rugby, Scotland Vs England, in Edinburgh 1871. The match marked the beginning of the Calcutta Cup, and will be recounted in a new feature documentary 'The Great Game'. The hour-long official documentary film will tell the incredible true...

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01NovNovember 1, 2020

History of: The Sporran

The Leather Sporran "bare-legged, with shaggy cloaks and a small bag." This romantically rough (but likely accurate) description of a twelfth-century Highland warrior would be incomplete without mention of that 'small bag'. From 'scrip' evolved the Gaelic word Sporran, meaning purse. It's long been considered an essential accompaniment to Highlandwear dress and even today, no Scotsman would don his Kilt without this trusted pouch. So how did it come about? Here's our brief history of the well-known hanging accessory, and how...

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01FebFebruary 1, 2020

History of: The Gladstone

History Of The Gladstone Bag It’s an icon. A bag full of character and crafted by our talented team year on year. But where did the design come from? And how did it become so popular? This month we take a look at the History of: (our most beloved) Gladstone. The Leather Gladstone and it’s compact companion, The Gladstonette, have been firm favourites of the Mackenzie collection since we established our trade back in 1990. Sometimes known as a Doctor’s or...

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01SepSeptember 1, 2019

History of: The Tote

The Leather Tote Bag The iconic name of this essential bag seems familiar to most. But what exactly is a ‘tote’ and how did it become a well known design for handbags? This month we continue our History of Blog Series with an everyday classic: The Tote Bag. The Tote one of the most versatile bag designs in history, and is most likely present in your own home. Your current choice of handbag might be a structured leather version, or perhaps...

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