Made in Virginia 2014: Moore & Giles, Williamsburg

Moore & Giles

Brandon Ulland (left) and Thomas Brennan.

Photo by Ryan Portnoy

If its collection of luxury leather bags and accessories wasn’t already reason enough to love Forest-based leather manufacturer Moore & Giles, its line of handmade furniture launched in 2013 should do the trick.

Helmed by head designer Thomas Brennan (right) and furniture maker Brandon Ulland (left), formerly a cabinetmaker and craftsman for Colonial Williamsburg, the company has taken its 81 years of leather know-how and combined it with old school furniture-making processes. “Everything goes back to the leather,” says Brennan. “When we’re designing the bags, the goal is to keep things as simple as possible and let the leather lead the way. The same is true for the furniture.”

Each of the inaugural line’s writing tables is made with Virginia black walnut and its own unique leather inlay. The line also includes an accompanying walnut perch with wrapped leather seat and a walnut hammock-style magazine holder. Pieces require from six to eight weeks to complete, but, says Ulland, “We’re creating items that are luxury and unique to each customer, so we don’t feel we need to develop a larger system right now.” The strength of Moore & Giles’ wholesale leather business, which accounts for 98 percent of overall sales, has given this team enviable breathing room. (They spent six to eight months in development before accepting their first orders in early 2013.) “This isn’t a flight of fancy,” explains Brennan. “We’ve had the time and space to develop things.” Table $4,750, Perch $1,275. MooreAndGiles.com