William Paul

of Oak Tannery, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, 3. Telephone: Leeds 29621. Cables: "Paul, Leeds"

William Paul, the Leeds tanner, handled the European distribution of the first graining machine patented by Coogan in 1873, and was subsequently granted a patent on an improved machine initially manufactured by Joseph Hall & Co.

1876 The tannery was built by Firth and Kendal of Idle, for William Paul. The tannery produced leather for shoe, harness and industrial use.

c1883 All equipment in the tannery was manufactured by Thomas Haley and Co.

1890 William Paul took up residence at Cookridge Hall and the Paul family remained there until 1954, when the estate was sold by the executors of T. W. Paul. William Paul was a keen sportsman who raced greyhounds and kept horses and a pack of beagles for hare hunting.

c1915 Two members of the Paul family, who had marital relations to the Haley family, became directors when the Haley brothers had all passed away and Joe Fletcher ran the business as secretary.

1947 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Upper Leather for Footwear also Leather for making Footballs and Leather Goods. Including Chrome Sides, Dressed East Indian Kips**, Hide Bellies and Shoulders, Football Butts, Backs and Dressed Split Hides. (Earls Court, 1st Floor, Stand No. 412)

1968 It closed, and most of the buildings were later demolished except for the office block.

• Note: **
  • Kip or Kipskin - leather prepared from the skin of young or small cattle, intermediate in grade between calfskin and cowhide.

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