Leather and skin is a broad and complex material category. In order to safely conserve historic leather, we must first understand exactly what we have at our bench – different processing methods create different characteristics and subsequently different conservation requirements. This course provides a strong basis for understanding the range of skin based materials found in heritage collections, and a toolkit for bench level identification, as well as exploring analytical options.

Through guided examination, hands-on reference samples, and structured exercises, participants will learn how to recognise key markers, understand variation, and apply identification skills to collection care and conservation decision-making.

Suitable for conservators, heritage professionals, and researchers working with organic materials.