About Us

Hi, I’m Giles — the one-man band behind Codman and Belter.

What began years ago as a hobby, making simple pieces for myself and friends, has evolved into a focused commitment to traditional leatherwork. From the very beginning, I’ve been drawn to the heritage skills and quiet satisfaction that come from making something properly, by hand.

I briefly took my craft commercial in the mid-2000s, stepping away from a long career in IT, only to be lured back to the screen for a few more years. In 2017, I finally closed the laptop and turned fully toward a more hands-on life. Along the way, I bought and ran a Sussex craft cider company — a left-field move perhaps, but one that taught me a lot about craft, community, and standing by what you produce.

Eventually, leatherwork called me back. In 2023 I picked up my tools again, went back to basics, retrained myself, and rebuilt the business with a sharper focus: to create beautiful, functional pieces using the best of British materials and the techniques that time hasn’t improved upon.

I’ve learnt a lot since 2023 and have a much clearer view of where I want Codman & Belter to head as a business.  A mid-2025 course at Bayes Business School in London equipped me with the tools and focus I needed to undertake a business remodel, with the necessary changes being in place by the end of 2025.

At Codman and Belter, everything is made slowly and properly — by hand, by me. My work is shaped by a few clear principles:

  • Craft above all – I’ve always used traditional leatherworking techniques that respect the material and the craft, and I will continue to do so. No shortcuts.
  • Make it to last – A defining principle of my new model is that I want to make I make pieces you’ll want to keep, use, and hand down.  We’re drowning in disposable goods and I will not be part of that.
  • Source with care – By the end of 2025, I am aiming to work almost exclusively with leather from British tanneries like J&FJ Baker in Devon and Thomas Ware & Sons in Bristol (who produce the leather for British Pasture Leather) — firms that still tan hides using time-honoured methods. The brassware I use is cast in the UK by Abbey England, one of the few remaining foundries that match my values.
  • Be straight with people – I aim to offer honest pricing, clear communication, and proper service to customers who value handmade quality.

I’m constantly refining the range, and I’ve got new ideas in the works. If you’ve got thoughts or want something bespoke, I’d love to hear from you.

Want to know more about where this all started? Start with Blog #1.