The British Library — Leather-Wrapped Handrails
A subtle intervention in a landmark space
For this project at the British Library, Ed Tanner was commissioned to replace the original leather-wrapped handrails in the main lobby — a quiet but vital detail in one of the UK’s most significant public buildings.
About the British Library
Located in St Pancras, London, the British Library is the UK’s national library and one of the largest in the world. Designed by Sir Colin St John Wilson and opened in 1998, it is widely regarded as a landmark of modern British architecture. The building houses over 170 million items, including rare manuscripts, historical maps, and sound recordings. It serves as both a cultural hub and a world-leading research institution — open to all.
A material connection between visitor and space
When we were brought in, the original leather had served its purpose for over 20 years — a testament to the durability of the material, especially in a setting that welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors each year. Still, it was time for a sensitive renewal.
Working closely with the British Library’s in-house team, we carried out the installation while the building remained open to the public. Sections of the grand staircase were carefully cordoned off, allowing our craftsmen to work in full view of visitors — many of whom paused to observe the process.
The new rails were wrapped in our full-grain leather, selected for its resilience and ability to develop a rich patina over time. Applied in a precisely overlapped style, the result is a finish that is both functional and refined — one that sits naturally within the Library’s calm, purposeful architecture.
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