James and Rombye Perry, Leatherworkers
James and Rombye have produced leather bags, belts and bracelets for more than 40 years out of their Greenville, Tennessee The Cordwainer Leather studio. The pieces are clean, functional timeless styles which are created from the finest chrome tanned leathers and solid brass or nickel hardware. He and his family hand stitch every purse and piece of luggage that is made.
James and Rombye Perry
James M. Perry is the designer and creator of The Cordwainer line of leather products. Rombye, his wife, assists in both the marketing and production of the leatherwork.
Jim began experimenting with leatherwork as a hobby in 1969 while attending Wesleyan University in Connecticut. For three years he worked out of his dorm room and in the art studios available on campus. After graduating with a B.A. degree concentrating on Art and Design, he moved to Knoxville, TN in 1971 and opened a leather goods store on the University of Tennessee Campus.
He met his wife that first year and she quickly became involved in his small business. After five years of owning and operating two small stores, they moved to Greeneville, TN and focused their energy on marketing their work at more than 35 art and craft fairs spanning the eastern
United States.
