The Saddler’s Post – Paul Smith

Saddlers & leather workers from around the world join host Christian Lowe to share stories and secrets on the leather trade and the art and life of making, repairing, and selling saddles and other equipment for horses.

Paul Smith is a factory manager with Albion Saddlemakers, based in Walsall, England, and a global leader in the industry. Paul’s extensive knowledge of the trade takes him around the world in the company’s relentless drive for remarkable quality and superlative performance. He talks to Christian whilst on a business trip to Wellington, Florida.

The Albion Brand Story

Started in 1985 by Paul and Sherry Belton, the Albion England brand was originally born out of a desire to pioneer a truly premium range of equestrian competition saddles, bridles and accessories which exceeded all expectations.

Albion’s (meaning ‘Old England’) guiding principle is simple, to always deliver a supremely superior quality product, blending traditional values and artisan craftsmanship with revolutionary innovation and state of the art technology. At the heart of Albion’s success is the tremendous pride the company takes in producing beautifully handcrafted country lifestyle items, which embrace the best of British design combined with carefully honed skills and processes that have been passed down through the generations.

After realising the potential of applying Albion’s undisputed heritage for exceptional quality to other country pursuits, the natural way forward was to establish a stronger lifestyle positioning for the brand. The roll out of a carefully chosen selection of exquisitely designed lifestyle products to satisfy the aspirations and intrinsic desire for items of distinction as demanded by the discerning Albion customer followed. Currently the range includes luxury candles, timeless handbags and clutch bags, stunning silk scarves and stylish umbrellas – with further exciting additions planned.

Visit: albionsaddlemakers.co.uk

Christian Lowe Leather Care

A unique blend of soap, oils, beeswax and the wonderful properties of tea tree prepared in small batches in our studio located in Southern Ontario.

Visit: christianlowe.ca