Walsall Leather Museum
Museum of Walsall's saddlery and leather trade in a Victorian factory, temporarily closed since April 2026 while its future is settled.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Walsall Leather Museum opened in 1988 in a Victorian factory building that the local council renovated. It tells how Walsall grew from a small market town into an international centre of saddle making. Around 1900 about 10,000 people in the town worked in preparing leather and in making saddles, bridles and related goods, and a number of saddlers, bridle makers and makers of bags and small leather goods still work in the town today.
The collection brings together Walsall-made leather goods, from saddles to gloves, bags, shoes and fashion accessories. A contemporary design section shows work by present-day leather designers, and a research library holds specialist books on leather craft and the industry. In the past, craftspeople demonstrated traditional Walsall leather skills in the museum's workshops, and a seasonal programme offered craft workshops and family events.
The museum closed to the public on 12 April 2026 because the council had decided to move it to a town-centre building. In July 2026 the council's new administration voted to cancel that plan and to reopen the museum at its present site. No reopening date has been announced.
Highlights
- Walsall-made saddles, bridles and harness
- Gloves, bags, shoes and fashion accessories
- Contemporary leather design
- Specialist research library on leather craft
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Walsall Council
Admission & discounts
The museum is temporarily closed and no reopening date has been announced.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A British Sign Language interpreting service is available on demand through the council, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
Kids & families
The museum is temporarily closed and no reopening date has been announced.
Getting there & parking
The museum is temporarily closed and no reopening date has been announced.
Amenities & dining
The museum is temporarily closed and no reopening date has been announced.
Events & venue rental
The museum is temporarily closed and no reopening date has been announced.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Learning sessions for schools are offered while the museum is closed. The collection can be browsed online, and history talks and pop-up activities are held at venues across the borough. |
