Tanner Krolle Origins

Since 1856, Tanner Krolle have been pioneers at the heart of the leather craft industry. Founded in London’s historic leathermaking district by Fredrich Krolle, the brand’s heritage is interwoven with the history of British luxury. From humble beginnings making saddles with rudimentary hand tools to producing highly recognisable bags, attachés, and vanity cases, Tanner Krolle’s craft has evolved to serve the needs of the discerning traveller.

During the First World War, Krolle establishes itself as an atelier for bespoke craftsmanship, receiving commissions such as cockpit instrument covers for Sopwith Camel biplanes and Sam Browne belts for the British Armed Forces. In 1920, the relationship that will become the modern-day Tanner Krolle begins when Albert Krolle moves his business into the premises of London's Tanner family – well-known manufacturers of stationery. The merger gives rise to an expansion of expertise, and travelling bags, suitcases and handbags become standard items in the range.

After the trauma of the Blitz, the British population embraces a new decade of optimism. The British Overseas Airways Corporation charters its first ever transatlantic, commercial passenger service from London to New York in 1958 – a landmark occasion which begins to revolutionise the luggage industry. Already associated with luxury retail heavyweights in the UK, Tanner Krolle reaches an international audience as its leather goods are stocked by leading retail partners in the US, including Brooks Brothers, Saks, Crouch Fitzgerald, and Gimbels. By the early 1960s, Tanner Krolle bags, cases, and trunks are highly recognisable across the train platforms and airport lounges of the world.

As the air travel industry rapidly expands to connect the farthest reaches of the world, the UK enters the age of global travel. The Concorde makes its first transatlantic crossing, and begins scheduled flights soon after. Having developed relationships with the UK’s leading luxury retailers and its most influential persons, Tanner Krolle receives commissions from modern British travel heavyweights including British Airways, who ask the brand to design and produce in-flight bags for its airline staff. Tanner Krolle is also commissioned to create bespoke luggage for Aston Martin's V8 model, cementing their place as the brand of choice for the luxury traveller.

At the same time that Tanner Krolle enjoys success through its retail partnerships at home and abroad, it garners a reputation for bespoke travel pieces commissioned by leading icons of style, including Cary Grant, Sir Stirling Moss, Jackie Onassis, and Talitha Pol. The brand also gains royal approval: The late Princess Margaret commissions many Tanner Krolle items during her lifetime, and the late Queen has bespoke luggage made in a regal shade of red. Princess Diana follows suit and later has William and Harry’s school trunks made by Tanner Krolle. To this day, Sir David Attenborough uses his treasured Tanner Krolle luggage, gifted to him on his 21st birthday – a great testament to the quality of workmanship at Tanner Krolle.

In 2024, Tanner Krolle begins a new chapter with the opening of its flagship store at 127 Mount Street in Mayfair. Paying great respect to its storied heritage and taking direct inspiration from its archive of past designs, the brand returns to its foundational focus on leather craft, luxury travel, and timeless design. With recent bespoke commissions from royals, influential tastemakers, and luxury brands, it continues to share its generations of savoir-faire with a selective community that has long been part of the Tanner Krolle story.