------- Our history -------

THE STORY THAT DEFINED RUITERTASSEN

1920

From teacher to saddle maker.

Jacob de Ruiter is a young teacher born in Holland.
During the first world war, he travels around Europe. But when he returns in 1920, he is unable to get his life back.

Thanks to his brother, Jacob hears about a sales job at a local saddlery.  There, he discovers leather crafting and becomes an apprentice as well.
After 2 years, he’s able to craft reliable and beautiful leather goods.
Unfortunately, the saddlery closes down.

1925

First workshop established.

Passionate about cyslism, Jacob sets up his own workshop and starts making bicyle leather saddles. Fortunately, in 1925 the “Tour de France” is becoming a huge success.
Jacob works hard and exports his goods from Holland, to Belgium and France.
In 1930, he expands and starts making saddle bags and various accessories for bicycles.

1939

The world needs dependable goods.

1939, the second world war hits Europe, and orders come to a standstill.
But Jacob knows he can still make a living and contribute with his skills.
So he learns to craft leather bags for tradesmen and army staff.
Demand is rising, so Jacob’s eldest son joins the workshop.
Their focus is on dependable leather goods.

1950

Committed to professionals.

The local workshop is renowned, and keeps on expanding.
Their customers are doctors, scholars, reporters...
Jacob is on the hunt for luxurious leather to develop briefcases for his new customers.
His mind is set after a visit at Masure’s tannery in Belgium. Established in 1873, this tannery will become a lifelong partner, providing Jacob with superior vegetable-tanned leather.

atelier-sacs-cuirs-fait-main-ruitertassen

The fifties saw the emergence of the fashion industry.
But Jacob was focused on his professional customers, and seasonal goods didn’t make any sense.
His entire career had been devoted to craft dependable leather bags.
Companions capable of following their owners through hell.

1955

Birth of the emblematic satchel.

In 1955, Jacob sets out to design the ultimate bag for scholars, going full circle, back to his first teaching career.  The famous Ruitertassen satchel was born.  A design that would take the brand across continents, from Europe, to the United States.
The picture shows Jacob presenting the first Ruitertassen satchels to a customer.