Bill Amberg on leather

22.01.19. Designer’s studio, London


Bill Amberg was the first-ever guest on the Material Matters podcast. The renowned leather designer is arguably best known for his bags but over the years he has increasingly worked on architectural projects with the likes of David Chipperfield at the RA and MUMA at Westminster Abbey. He is a master of his craft and a really good bloke to boot.

In this episode we talked about his upbringing in Northampton (did you know his mum used to work with Alvar Aalto?); learning his trade in Australia; forging a business in London during the ’80s; his love of architecture; and, most importantly, his life-long relationship with leather. Oh, we also had a quick chat about how he ended up working on oil rigs in the North Sea.

Find out more about Bill Amberg 

Please write a caption to go in here Rivet Stool I is a self-supporting leather stool, made in 2016.


Handrail and stair treads in an artist’s studio, Chelsea, London, completed in 2016. 

Leather floor for a residence in Earl’s Court, London, completed in 2018.

Bespoke seating for the Royal Academy of Arts’ Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, completed in 2018.  


Amberg has also been experimenting with digitally printed leather. This piece was designed by Tom Dixon. All images courtesy of the designer.