Tannerie GALThe Tannerie Gal, located in the region of Bellac, perpetuates the ancient tradition of transforming vegetable-tanned full-grain leather from cattle hides. Its original creations, renowned for their natural beauty and exceptional durability, are also greatly appreciated for their hypoallergenic properties and their unique earthy scent that gives our leathers a mythical allure.
HandicraftsFor nearly a century, the GAL Tannery team has been dedicated to perfecting its techniques, constantly refining its processes to produce pure vegetable leather, free from any metal or petroleum by-products. The relentless quest for excellence guides our approach to offering a product of authenticity and superior quality. At a time when our customers' expectations in terms of quality, traceability and innovation are reaching unprecedented heights, we are reviving ancestral manufacturing methods. These practices, rooted in respect for artisanal processes, are enriched by the use of natural, sustainable components, reaffirming our commitment to eco-responsibility and creativity.
Selection of cattle hides for tanningAt GAL Tannery, quality begins with a rigorous selection of heavy cattle hides. Sourced from the best farms in France and Europe, these hides are chosen for their robustness and their potential to become exceptional leathers. This crucial step ensures that each final product meets the highest standards of durability and aesthetics.
Hide Preparation - River WorkOur tanning process begins with thorough preparation of the raw hides, commonly referred to as “river work”. This phase includes cleaning, dehairing, liming, fleshing and sampling, ideally preparing the leather for tanning.
Vegetable Tanning - A Natural and Sustainable ProcessOak bark tanning is a medieval technique that has been used in Bellac since the 12th century. This process uses the slow action of tannins extracted from oak bark on the skin's collagen over a period of six months, forming a complex network of fibers. This tanning gives the leather unrivalled strength and durability, ideal for riding accessories and other products requiring exceptional robustness. By using only vegetable tannins, this process respects the environment while producing high-quality, hypoallergenic leathers.
Specialization in Saddlery and High-End Equestrian EquipmentTannerie Gal excels in the production of vegetable leathers for luxury equestrian saddlery. Since 1955, the company has mastered traditional oak bark tanning, guaranteeing exceptional leathers. Internationally recognized, it has equipped Olympic riders. Its craftsmanship, combining tradition and innovation, produces unique saddlery leathers that meet the standards of professional equestrianism. A French heritage of excellence.
Retanning processRetanning enables us to refine the physical properties of our leathers using exclusive recipes. This process combines tannins, natural fats and dye pigments, without the addition of synthetic resins, guaranteeing a top-quality end product. After initial tanning, hides undergo retanning to improve suppleness, strength and color. By using vegetable tannins, we enhance these characteristics and fine-tune the leather's properties to the specific needs of our customers.
Dry TrimmingThe art of dry currying, a crucial phase, requires particular expertise. By alternating techniques such as tempering, winding, perching and pressing, we ensure that each piece of leather achieves perfection in terms of drying and flatness, while retaining its quality and durability.
Finishing by handOur hand-finishing includes precise shade adjustment, sizing for a resinated finish, and satin or graining techniques. Traditional sponge-greasing finalizes the leather, guaranteeing each piece a unique appearance and a finish of the highest quality.
Quality controls and durability testsBefore departure, GAL Tannery leathers undergo final sorting and rigorous laboratory testing. These tests ensure that each leather meets the strictest safety and durability standards. This quality control ensures that only the finest leathers leave the tannery to be transformed into exceptional products.