OSPREY LONDON

OSPREY LONDON is an independently owned British leather goods brand founded in 1980 by Graeme Ellisdon in Hertfordshire. It makes leather bags, belts and accessories for men and women, alongside scarves, jewellery and homeware.

What is OSPREY LONDON?

OSPREY LONDON is an independent British accessories brand built on leather and traditional saddlery skills. It designs bags and small leather goods for men and women and has grown into a wider lifestyle offer.

History

The story began in 1980 with a belt, handcut and handstitched in a hayloft in Hertfordshire. Founder Graeme Ellisdon was 25 and launched the business with £500 of his own money. Belts led to bags and small leather goods, and in 2002 the brand opened OSPREY HOME in a rural setting outside St Albans, selling its own products, artist collaborations, furniture and art, with the Saddlery Cafe on site.

Products and positioning

• Seasonal leather bags, belts and small leather goods
• Scarves, silk ties, nylon bags, sunglasses and fine jewellery
• Home fragrance, gifts and homeware

Products are designed to briefs from Graeme and Alex Ellisdon and made by craftsmen in the UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal and India.

Distribution

The brand originally sold only through wholesale accounts. Its first outlet store opened at York Designer Outlet in 2009, and it now runs sixteen outlet stores, a hybrid store in Radlett and an online flagship, while expanding wholesale with online retailers under Jack Ellisdon.

Why it matters

OSPREY LONDON shows a family-run brand moving from pure wholesale to a multichannel model led by its own outlet network.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded OSPREY LONDON?

OSPREY LONDON was founded in 1980 by Graeme Ellisdon, who started by making a handcut, handstitched leather belt in a Hertfordshire hayloft.

Where are OSPREY LONDON products made?

The brand's products are made by craftsmen in the UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal and India.

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