Hiscox York · Illuminated handrails: The Light Lab

Architectural leatherwork

Leather handrails

Bespoke leather handrails for residential, hospitality, marine and landmark interiors. Made in London.

Discuss a project
Made for the architecture

Leather that belongs to the space.

Every handrail is considered as part of the interior: its profile, leather, colour, construction and the way it is touched. We work with architects, designers, contractors and private clients from early specification through to installation.

Construction

Three approaches.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

From detail to specification.

Review the rail, leather finish and bracket as one assembly. Explore construction notes and printable specification guides for wrapped, overlapped and woven handrails.

Handrail specifications
Leather colour and grain selection
Material & colour

Specified for touch, wear and character.

We select leather for the demands of the project as well as its appearance. Full-grain, embossed and woven leathers can be considered alongside bespoke colours, stitching and finishing details.

Explore leather
Selected installations

From landmark buildings to private residences.

Illuminated leather handrails following a sculptural concrete staircase at Hiscox York
Woven leather handrail with a circular end cap beside a panelled wall at Gilston Road

Designed around the project.

We can work from drawings, dimensions or photographs to resolve profile, leather, junctions and installation.

Discuss a project

Choosing the construction.

Wrapped, overlapped and woven leather each bring a different character to a handrail. Explore the surface, seam and geometry before discussing the detail with our workshop.

Compare the three constructions
Frequently asked questions

Handrail questions.

Can you build the entire handrail?

In some cases. We can make complete wall-mounted handrails for straight runs. Spiral rails, moulded rails and rails incorporating a balustrade need to be built by a specialist. We can suggest a specialist manufacturer and then apply the leatherwork to the finished rail. Send us drawings or photographs and we can advise on the scope.

Can you wrap an existing handrail in leather?

Yes. Many existing handrails can be wrapped in leather, depending on their shape, condition and fixings. Send us photographs and dimensions, and we can advise on the most suitable approach.

Can leather be fitted to a curved or spiral staircase?

Yes. We work with curved and spiral handrails, tailoring the wrapping technique to the shape of the rail. Drawings and photographs help us assess the details.

Do you fit handrails on site?

Fitting is considered individually for each commission. Share drawings or photographs with the workshop and we can discuss the rail, location and appropriate approach.

How should I care for a leather handrail?

Care depends on the selected leather, its finish and the setting. Contact the workshop for advice specific to your commission.

Can I request leather samples?

Yes. We can provide samples to help you consider the leather, colour and wrapping style for your project.

What do you need to prepare a quotation?

Please send us the approximate length and diameter of the handrail, its location, photographs or drawings, and your preferred leather and wrapping style if known. It also helps to know whether the rail already exists and your intended project timeline.