Birdsall Leather

After settling in Sydney in the late 1800's The Birdsall family commenced tanning sheepskins in 1883 at the North Botany tannery (now known as Mascot). The large tannery prospered over 4 generations and 105 years.

Supplying quality leather skins to a national and international market. Birdsall Bros was Australia's largest family run tannery, employing 75 people with the factory spread over 3 acres of land, specialising in chrome tanned leather for footwear, handbags and leathergoods, also vegetable tanned leather for saddlery and leathergoods.

Birdsall Bros were renowned for being innovators of the industry, developing and producing special effects of tonings and embossed leather and reverse effects, analine leather such as polished marble together with soft ballet leather and fine full grains. Development work on leathers is an ongoing project with extensive trials being evaluated under Birdsall's experience in leather knowhow spanning 5 generations.

In 1970 our business was defined as not just Tanners of fine leather, but suppliers to an industry, subsequently Birdsall (Leather) Co. Pty Ltd took over the roll of expansion into other materials by importing leathers which were not made in Australia, various types of linings , soling materials and rubber.

Regular visits are made overseas to seek out the latest fashion and production developments. Sadly circumstances changed and the tannery closed in 1988. The same year David Birdsall opened a smaller tannery in our present site in Chegwyn Street, Botany. Success of the new site soon expanded into premises of 2600 sq mtrs.

Now into its 5th generation, David's sons Andrew and Ross still embrace the business and continue the family tradition producing high quality leathers, a broad product range and servicing an international market while becoming company directors to ensure success. Birdsall Leather & Crafts specialise in Kangaroo skins which have been vegetable tanned for lace and leathercraft.

We also produce saddlery and industrial leathers, together with leathercraft supplies which play a major part of our product mix, including tooling sides and double shoulders, and all types of dyes and finishes.