Crown Northampton x J&FJ Baker

In this short film, we visit J. & F.J. Baker & Co., the last remaining oak bark tannery in England, where time-honoured craftsmanship meets patience, tradition, and natural perfection. Chairman and Managing Director Andrew Parr takes us through the centuries-old tanning process — from locally sourced Devon hides to the year-long transformation within oak bark pits. Every hide is tanned slowly, naturally, and respectfully — preserving the fibre’s integrity and character. Unlike modern chemical tanning, Baker’s method uses nothing but water, hydrated lime, and oak bark — the same approach used for generations. The result: leather with unmatched strength, texture, and depth — the very material that defines Crown Northampton’s handcrafted footwear. This film is a celebration of British heritage, slow craft, and the relentless pursuit of quality.