International Leather Centre

The University of Northampton hosted a glamorous evening at the scenic Holdenby House 15 September 2016 to raise funds for the new International Leather Centre which will be housed on the new Waterside Campus, set to open in 2018.

The black-tie event saw a huge turnout, including a host of representatives from the industry in attendance such as Church’s shoes, Dr Martens and The Leathersellers’ Company.

With the stunning weather, guests were treated to an outdoor fashion show from the latest Graduate Fashion Week collections that UoN students had to offer. The evening then proceeded with a charity auction in the ballroom which saw guests enjoying themselves as they tried to outbid each other for a chance to win. Auction items included luxury items generously donated from big brand names such as Mulberry, Burberry, Mont Blanc and Loake.

The event raised an incredible £6,070 with donations from the auction and also separate donations made on the night.

Leather Centre Director, Rachel Garwood spoke of the money raised and what the move will mean to the town centre.

“I’m so pleased with the funds raised through the generosity of our guests. The funds will enable the new International Leather Centre to become the global epicentre for leather expertise, from ‘the hide to the high street’.  We will be engaging with other University subject areas such as science, technology, fashion, design, marketing and business, coupled with close relationships with specialised areas within Northampton such as Moulton Agricultural College, the Leather Conservation Centre, the National Leather Collection and, of course, the local industry. No one else can offer this level of expertise worldwide.”