A proud heritage: Bowron Sheepskins
In 1881, Bowron Brothers Tannery was established on Ferry Road in Christchurch.
They engaged in fellmongering and pickling sheepskins and lambskins for export to the UK, as well as tanning cattle hide leathers for the local trade.
Destroyed in a fire approximately 20 years later, the Bowron Brothers Tannery moved to Woolston and operated as a cattle hide processor until the late 1950s. After World War II Fred Bowron’s two sons, David and Nigel, joined the business. At this time they produced floor coverings and slipper-type footwear, and had around 40 employees.
As tourism opened up in the country, wool-on lambskin rugs were a unique souvenir, and in the 1960s the company’s production of these grew. Their specialisation in the wool-on lamb and sheepskin products continued over the years and their range expanded to include car seat covers, furnishings and bed underlays.
Today, Bowron Sheepskins’ team of 50 focus on the New Zealand market and are still crafting premium-grade sheepskin products. They take pride in delivering unmatched excellence in their products, which will help to transfer any space into a statement of style.
You can explore the complete range of Bowron’s hand-crafted and luxurious floor rugs, babycare lambskins and super soft bean bags at their factory shop on Long Street or at their website.
