Blackstock Leather History
There is almost as much history as there is passion behind Blackstock Leather. Just how much history? Well, a family business that had humble beginnings in a 19th Century schoolhouse for starters.
Schoolhouse - Built
Schoolhouse - Purchased
Spinneybeck - Founded
Spinneybeck - Sold
Blackstock Leather - Founded
What We Do
"Nature creates, never duplicates." It's true and if you look around you, where you sit, you will likely see at least 8-10 items that exist because of the leather industry. Our focus is on quality and the processes we use creates a uniquely beautiful product.
Silk Road Leather Tiles
Tapestry Leather Tiles
Custom Design Tiles
Why Blackstock Leather
Blackstock is the pioneer of dyed leather. Their unique proprietary process is not only what creates such a beautiful product, it's what makes Blackstock one of the best in this industry.
every tile order is custom-made.
we offer 30 different colours all beautifully unique.
raw materials are prepared in stages which allows for sustained quality.
cuts are made with the utmost precision and clean, straight edges (never beveled).
we understand how to ensure that our products acclimate well after production and installation.
we ship all over the world.
The Blackstock Leather Team
With 100+years of combined experience, the Blackstock Leather team brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and innovation. Over the years, we have worked with a multitude of clients, helping them bring their design ideas to fruition. We all have an innate ability to adapt and accept challenges. We are large enough to put out a great product, yet small enough to be flexible and truly care about our clients needs and wants. Blackstock Leather Team = Knowledge - Passion - Experience
Dee Gratton
Administration
Dee Gratton is our accomplished administrator with over forty five years experience 27 years with Blackstock.
Dean Chapman
Head Leather Technologist
Dean Chapman has been a leather technologist for over 40 years his knowledge to create beautiful leather tiles is unsurpassed.
Stephen Manchee
President
Stephen Manchee Has been in the leather business for over 50 years early years with the family company Spinneybeck then started Blackstock in 1992.
The Blackstock Leather Story
Blackstock Leather Inc. is located in a 19th century schoolhouse in a community north of Toronto, Canada. Stephen Manchee, the founder of Blackstock, grew up on a farm across the road from this charming 140-year-old schoolhouse. His brothers attended school here while their father, Charles Manchee, worked in a nearby tannery. In 1962, Charles Manchee bought the building to house his own leather company, Spinneybeck. The company was very successful and sold in 1989 but the building remained in the family. That schoolhouse was the original headquarters of Blackstock Leather Inc.
Starting at age twelve Stephen cut swatches and swept the floor at his family leather company. A lengthy apprenticeship, language studies, training in Europe and world travel all contribute to Stephen’s extensive knowledge of leather. He hopes to instill in others to have the same appreciation and respect for the product of his life’s work – leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are floors in Europe that have been down and usd for many decades.
The tiles are prewaxed at the production facility and additonal 100% beeswax is provided with each order shipped.
Instructions are provided a plywood substrate is recomended. The tiles are adhered with water based contact cement adhesive.
Yes, we have 30 regular colours and over thirty five sizes, Custom sizes can be created.
Yes, the aroma or smell is very soothing as are the tiles underfoot.