Leather goods made in South Africa since 2009
A good leather bag should be a pleasure to carry and just as satisfying to open. We make bags, wallets and accessories with attention to both: the leather you see, the lining you feel and the small details you discover through use. Choose a piece for yourself or a gift made personal with an engraved name.
CHARLES LANSDOWN takes its name from my grandfather, a man whose integrity and appreciation of well-tailored clothes left a lasting impression on me. His advice was simple: ‘what you give out is what you get back.’ It still guides the way we make things and look after our customers.
Since 2009, we have built the business around skilled South African leatherwork and personal service. One leatherworker assembles, machine-stitches and finishes each piece from start to finish. Laser cutting brings precision to the patterns; experience and judgement bring the leather together.
We put remaining leather to use in smaller pieces and prototypes. We also help with care and repairs, so our relationship with you can continue long after your purchase.
Bradley Ingram (Founder)
Find your next leather piece
Find your next leather piece
What our customers say.
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Heather Leong16/09/2026
Custom made Bible cover. I am delighted. Expectations of the final product have been exceeded. Exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Thankyou Brad.![]()
Jana Strydom31/08/2026
This is the most exquisite laptop bag. From the leather fragrance lingering in the air when you open the carefully crafted piece , firmly secured in its own handmade dust-bag, to feeling the quality when you take it out. Wow. Not a laptop bag - a piece of art.![]()
Christo Stoltz05/02/2026
I recently received The Franklin backpack from Charles Lansdown Tailored Leathers, and it truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I opened it, the quality and craftsmanship were unmistakable. The leather is beautifully finished, rich in character, and clearly designed to age with grace. What I appreciate most about The Franklin is how effortlessly it balances timeless style with everyday practicality. It feels considered, purposeful, and made for someone who values both form and function. This is not just a backpack—it’s a piece you carry with pride, knowing it was crafted with care and integrity. Thank you for creating something so thoughtfully made. It’s a pleasure to own a product that reflects true craftsmanship and attention to detail.![]()
Milton L Nkadimeng10/12/2025
I just recently purchased a leather bag from a local artisan store by the name Charles Lansdown Tailored Leathers. And I couldn't be happier with the results. The craftsmanship is truly outstanding.👌 😍 You can tell a lot of care went into designing and shaping the bag exactly to my preferences. And it only took less than a week. What even impressed me the most is the personal touch with a gentleman by the name Brad. It's rare to find this level of quality and attention to detail, especially paired with such a warm and responsive service. My new bag is easily one of my favourite purchases.😍![]()
Amez01/08/2025
I found Brad by accident at the Rosebank Sunday Market, I first bought the red sling bag and card holder, and then I requested to have my own initials on more sling bags and card holders, which he did. Brad's craftmanship is something I have never seen. I requested a Brittish Design Mulberry Inspired by, in bag, wallet and belt. All I can say is, if you dont choose Charles Lansdown, then you are missing out... Better than him? There is none.![]()
Gwenola _29/07/2025
The superb craftsmanship (from stitching to leather quality), coupled with a wonderfully helpful customer service, will make me a repeat customer. I can't wait to see our leather acquire patina and softness, as it ages on adventures with us.![]()
Alicia Delport06/06/2025
My package was delivered very quick. Nothing better than the smell of genuine leather. The quality is outstanding. I already see it will last quite some time.![]()
Lucas Roux02/06/2025
Brad gave us the absolute best service from the email we sent up to receiving our son’s custom suitcase today. The most beautiful suitcase and the best quality we’ve ever seen! We absolutely love it thank you so much!!!![]()
Denise M03/12/2024
Their craftsmanship is just excellent. I had a handbag custom made about 9 years ago that I use every single day. The zipper packed up from daily use and when I phoned Brad he said they will replace the zipper free of charge. He is so accomodating and friendly and I highly recommend him. There is such an extensive selection bags, purses wallets and more to pick and choose from or even better have something custom made. I absolutely love my handbag.![]()
J Holliday27/11/2024
Beautiful, hand made leather items.I purchased A3 cover and had it personalized.It will last for a very very long time. Super happy with the service, got my cover over the courier - all well organized, with class and style!
The Signature Bags
The Benjamin, Mansfield and Franklin were the first bags we designed and made, and they have been part of our range ever since. Over the years, their practical details have evolved to suit changing technology and the way we live and work. Each still carries a patina finished by hand, giving the leather its own depth and character. These three bags are at the heart of what I mean by Old School Tailoring, Modern Luxury.
The Benjamin Classic
A traditional briefcase shape, with room for the way you work today. The Benjamin Classic pairs its twin-buckle front and polished brown patina with a blue-lined interior and leather compartments for your daily essentials.
R7,899
The Mansfield Duffle
For a weekend away or a few days on the road, the Mansfield keeps travel straightforward. Its generous opening, sturdy leather handles and detachable shoulder strap make packing and carrying easy. Open it to find the same attention inside: blue lining, a zipped pocket and a leather slip pocket.
Mansfield Medium · R6,599
The Franklin Backpack
For working days that take you beyond a desk. The Franklin brings a laptop backpack into our old-school leather tradition, with useful outer pockets and a blue-lined interior fitted with leather organisers. Its hand-finished brown patina gives a practical everyday bag a character of its own.
R8,999
The details deserve a closer look
The details deserve a closer look
There is a lot to appreciate beyond the leather itself. Edges are sanded, coloured and sealed. Handles, straps and hardware receive the same attention as the main panels. Inside our signature bags, royal blue suede-effect upholstery lining adds a plush finish.
These are the details we enjoy showing customers in person. You are welcome to visit our Randburg workshop by appointment.
Corporate leather gifts people actually keep
Thank a longstanding client, recognise a colleague or mark an important milestone with leather goods chosen for the person receiving them. From personalised wallets to laptop bags and coordinated gift sets, we help you choose the pieces, leather colours and engraved branding.
Thank a longstanding client, recognise a colleague or mark an important milestone with leather goods chosen for the person receiving them. From personalised wallets to laptop bags and coordinated gift sets, we help you choose the pieces, leather colours and engraved branding.
A name makes it personal
Choose a wallet, purse or cardholder in their favourite leather colour, then add their name or initials. Each comes in a CHARLES LANSDOWN presentation box, ready to give. Our leather bags include a branded dust bag for storage between outings. A birthday, an anniversary or a thank-you: we will help you choose something they will enjoy using.
Choose a wallet, purse or cardholder in their favourite leather colour, then add their name or initials. Each comes in a CHARLES LANSDOWN presentation box, ready to give. Our leather bags include a branded dust bag for storage between outings. A birthday, an anniversary or a thank-you: we will help you choose something they will enjoy using.