What Is Shagreen? - A Personal Journey with this exotic Leather by Henry Forwood
Shagreen is a distinctive, textured leather made from shark or stingray skin. For centuries, people have admired its durability and unique pebbled surface.
But for me, this material is more than just beautiful—it's deeply personal. It has played a part in my creative life from the very beginning.
A Childhood Memory
I first discovered this leather through my grandmother. She filled her home with family keepsakes, many stored in elegant, textured boxes. As a child, I couldn’t stop running my hands over their surface—its feel and timeless look fascinated me.
When I was nine, we were traveling through Ireland and stopped at a small antique shop. Inside I found an old sword with a brass handle, wrapped in the same bumpy leather I remembered from my grandmother’s boxes. It instantly caught my attention. A few weeks later, it became my birthday present.
The textured surface didn’t just look good—it gave the sword a better grip, especially when hands were sweaty. No wonder people had used it on weapons and tools for centuries.
A Look Back in Time
This unique leather has a rich history. It first appeared in 13th-century Japan on Samurai swords and scabbards. By the 16th century, people were also using it on bigger items like decorated chests, which they sold to traders from Europe..
In the 1600s and 1700s, people in England and the Netherlands used this leather to cover special items like telescopes, toolboxes, and cutlery cases. In France, it became very popular after Madame de Pompadour mistress to king Louis X1V made it fashionable. A mid-18th century craftsman named Jean-Claude Galuchat was so well known for using it that the French still call the material “Galuchat” today.
When chemical dyes appeared in the 1700s, makers could use more colours instead of just the natural greens and off-whites from plant dyes.
Although interest dipped in the 19th century, the Art Deco period brought it roaring back. Designers like Jean-Michel Frank and André Groult embraced the texture in their sleek, luxurious interiors. In England, it became a mainstay in Asprey’s iconic collections
An Ethical Alternative
Years later, while flipping through vintage auction catalogues, my early love for the material was reignited. But I couldn’t ignore a major issue: fishermen killed fish just for their skins and threw the rest away. That didn’t sit right with me.
So, I started thinking about alternatives.
During the 1990s, Henry combined his knowledge of chemistry and design to develop a cruelty-free alternative. His highly realistic resin shagreen captures the look and feel of the original while offering greater durability and a more ethical approach. Advanced moulding techniques recreate the rich texture and depth of natural shagreen without using animal products.
I knew I’d achieved something special when a customer who had just toured two genuine shagreen workshops in the Philippines studied one of my pieces for over an hour and then asked, “Is this real?”
Designed for Today
Since then, we’ve continued refining our material—making it not only look great, but safe and sustainable too. Today, our faux shagreen meets California’s strict health and safety standards, some of the most rigorous in the world.
Why It Works
Whether your style is contemporary or classic, faux shagreen blends effortlessly with a wide range of interiors. It pairs beautifully with wood, brass, stainless steel and natural stone, making it a versatile choice for every room in the home. By combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials, Henry Forwood has created a sustainable shagreen finish that offers timeless luxury without compromise.
Explore the collection today and experience the luxury of shagreen leather—reimagined ethically for modern living.
