Henry de Freycinet working at a leather press in his workshop

Care & Repair

Care & Repair

Made to live with you

An object acquires character through use. Leather softens, surfaces develop depth and the small traces of a journey gradually become part of the piece itself.

Proper care is not about keeping an object untouched. It is about helping its materials age well, preserving its function and knowing when an intervention is truly necessary.

Whether your piece travels, accompanies you in the field or lives at home, a few considered habits can make a lasting difference.

Henry de Freycinet working leather by hand at a workbench

Living materials

Character comes with time

The materials used throughout the House are chosen not only for how they appear when new, but for the way they respond to use.

Leather will soften and acquire variations in tone. Hardware may develop subtle traces of handling. Surfaces that travel will inevitably record something of the journeys they accompany.

These changes are not necessarily imperfections. They are often part of the natural life of an object.

Care should therefore remain measured: protect the piece from avoidable damage, preserve its function and allow its materials to evolve without unnecessary treatment.

Everyday care

A few simple gestures are generally more valuable than frequent or aggressive treatment.

01

Leather

Remove surface dust with a soft, clean and dry cloth.

If the leather becomes wet, blot excess moisture gently and allow the piece to dry naturally at room temperature.

Keep it away from radiators, hairdryers and other direct sources of heat.

Avoid household cleaners, solvents, wipes or conditioning products unless their use has first been confirmed as suitable for your piece.

02

Hardware

Wipe metal hardware gently with a clean, dry and non-abrasive cloth.

Remove moisture after exposure and avoid abrasive polishes or household metal cleaners.

If a lock, hinge or closure begins to resist, do not force it. Contact the House before applying lubricants or attempting an adjustment.

03

Storage

Store your piece in a dry and ventilated environment, away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat and persistent humidity.

Avoid placing heavy objects on top of leather goods or storing them in a way that distorts their natural shape.

Where a protective cover is provided, use it when the piece is stored for extended periods.

04

After travel or field use

Before storing a piece after travel or outdoor use, remove loose surface dirt and allow any moisture to dry naturally.

Pay particular attention to handles, straps, closures and areas that have been in contact with the ground or equipment.

A short inspection after use can prevent minor issues from developing over time.

Before treating a piece

When in doubt, leave it untouched

The most damaging form of care is often an unsuitable treatment applied with good intentions.

Strong detergents, solvents, abrasive products, metal polishes, oils, waxes and generic leather conditioners can permanently alter a material or finish.

If a mark cannot be removed with gentle dry care, or if you are uncertain about the appropriate treatment, stop before applying another product and contact the House.

A photograph and a short description are often enough for us to advise on the appropriate next step.

Avoid without prior guidance:

  • Solvents
  • Household detergents
  • Abrasive cleaners
  • Metal polish
  • Oils & waxes
  • Adhesive repairs
Hands guiding leather beneath a sewing machine

Repair

When a piece needs attention

A worn closure, loosened handle, damaged surface or structural issue does not necessarily mark the end of an object's life.

The first step is always to understand what has happened.

Each service request is considered individually, because materials age differently and the appropriate intervention depends on the construction, condition and history of the piece.

Before any work is undertaken, the House will review the information provided and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

Where an intervention is possible, the practical arrangements and any applicable costs will be confirmed before the piece is sent.

The service process

From first contact to return

A repair request begins with information, not with shipping the piece.

01

Contact the House

Send us a short description of the issue together with clear photographs of the piece and the area concerned.

02

Assessment

The House will review your request and may ask for additional photographs, measurements or information before recommending the next step.

03

Recommendation

We will explain the proposed course of action and, where applicable, provide the practical details and quotation associated with the intervention.

04

Sending your piece

If the intervention is confirmed, you will receive instructions for preparing and sending the piece safely.

Please do not send an item before receiving these instructions.

05

Return

Once the agreed work has been completed, the piece is inspected before the return arrangements are confirmed with you.

Leather handle and brass hardware on a Henry de Freycinet trunk

Before contacting us

Preparing your request

Providing the right information from the beginning helps the House understand your request more quickly.

  • Your name and contact details
  • Your order number, if available
  • The name of the piece
  • Approximate purchase date, if known
  • Your country
  • A short description of the issue
  • One photograph showing the complete piece
  • Several clear close-up photographs of the area concerned

Please do not send a piece to the House before receiving return or service instructions.

Contact the House

Care over time

Made to continue the journey

The life of an object does not end when it leaves the House.

Use will give it character. Care will preserve its function. And when attention is needed, the right intervention can help it continue its journey.

If you are unsure how to care for a piece or would like us to assess a repair, the House will be pleased to guide you.

Contact the House

The House Commitments

French craftsmanship

Handcrafted in our workshop.

Certificate of authenticity

Each piece is signed and numbered.

Personalised service

Attentive guidance at every stage.

International delivery

Specialist transport with secure tracking.