In the fall of 2023, The Deerskin Leather Shop, a staple in the Village for over 40 years has resurrected their line of Victoria Leather handbags to manufacture on premises. As with Kitchen Kettle, it’s a family affair.

The history of Victoria Leather is inexorably entwined with the history of Kitchen Kettle Village. Jim Burnley, Pat’s third and youngest child, was a second-generation owner of Kitchen Kettle Village. Jim operated several stores in the Village, but Deerskin Leather was his flagship and original store.

Victoria Leather is so named because the owner, Vicky, made and designed the bags. They were soft, buttery leather and exactly what Jim needed to make his store an anchor for Kitchen Kettle Village—local handmade products. The story also took a decidedly positive turn for Jim when he met the sales rep for Victoria Leather, Vicky’s sister Peggy. Nearly forty years after their first date at the Devon Horseshow, Jim and Peggy’s daughter, Devon Victoria Burnley, took over as a third-generation owner of Kitchen Kettle Village.

Unfortunately, USA made leather bags has experienced the same declining life that all handcrafted products have felt in a world of dynamic manufacturing demands. The Victoria bag line was retired in 2019 much to both Victoria Leather and Deerskin Leather’s loyal guests’ disappointment. However, Devon has decided to restore these treasured leather bags and give them new life under The Deerskin Leather name. Honoring a multigenerational history of craftsmanship on both sides of the family, we are proud to present The Deerskin Leather Brand, handcrafted right here at Kitchen Kettle Village.

Don't be a deer in headlights. Shop our Heritage Bags now!