He worked at Morlands, a leading sheepskin tannery, until its demise in 1983. He took a major role in setting up Fenland Sheepskin Co Ltd in Bridgwater, Somerset, where he pioneered the use of enzyme technology, among many other developments, to woolskin tanning. He recently also helped set up a micro tannery in the Falkland Islands.
Asked in 1992 to take over the chairmanship of the Real Sheepskin Association, he accepted the challenge and was still in the chair at the time of his death.
Under his leadership the UK sheepskin industry staged something of revival, mainly through its work with young fashion designers at first, then young furniture and interior designers who helped to attune sheepskin to the ‘Vivienne Westwood’ era.
Fenland Sheepskin Company became the de facto ‘University of Sheepskin’ for not only many generations of design graduates but a growing community of sheep farmers, breeders and smallholders seeking a Contract Tanning Service for their special sheepskins.
Andrew Tinnion’s lifetime service to the leather industry and sheepskin tanning was recognised during a celebratory reception and lunch at the Leathersellers’ hall in London, June 2008, attended by industry members, colleagues and former tanners.
