CALLUM, the newly formed engineering and design business, has worked with Bridge of Weir Leather Company on its first automotive project – Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by CALLUM.
Revisiting one of Ian Callum’s most iconic automotive creations, the Aston Martin Vanquish, CALLUM is creating a limited run of 25 reborn vehicles, the latest in a series of exclusive R-Reforged editions fully endorsed by Aston Martin Lagonda. During 18 months of development, the experienced design team appraised every aspect of the design and performance of the original Vanquish, to create a Grand Tourer for today.
The Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by CALLUM retains the iconic silhouette while featuring over 100 design and performance changes, resulting in what the team at CALLUM believe to be the ultimate Vanquish. Bridge of Weir Leather Company supplied leather to the original Vanquish in 2001 and CALLUM wanted to retain as many of the same natural features as possible while enhancing the overall interior design.
Over the last 12 months, Bridge of Weir Leather Company has worked hand-in-hand with CALLUM’s in-house design team to create a completely bespoke approach with Fine Scottish Leather, sourced from the very best heritage breeds, used throughout the car’s interior. The leather that the team selected is a non-chrome semi-aniline in Ian Callum’s unique colour way.
Taking this unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship a stage further, Bridge of Weir Leather Company worked with the CALLUM team to create a totally new tartan, which was then applied to the sumptuous leather. The tartan is Ian Callum’s own design and will be a signature feature on future CALLUM creations.
With expertise that blends century-old craftsmanship with the very latest advanced manufacturing methods, sustainability is also at the core of Bridge of Weir Leather Company. This commitment is exemplified by its industry-leading thermal energy plant, which converts process waste into energy, reducing the need for fossil fuels, while its ultra-filtration plant recycles water directly back into production.
Ian Callum, Design Director, CALLUM: “Bridge of Weir Leather Company has provided exquisite leather for many of my designs throughout the years, including the original Vanquish. It’s therefore particularly special to collaborate and feature its beautiful materials and quality craftsmanship, with expertly executed abstract CALLUM tartan, in the Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by CALLUM.”
David Archibald, Managing Director, Bridge of Weir Leather Company: “We are very proud to be working with Ian Callum and the whole CALLUM team. There is a strong Scottish connection between us and that connection extends to the Vanquish too: Bridge of Weir Leather Company supplied leather to the original vehicle so we are delighted to contribute our Fine Scottish Leather to this new project. Not only does the interior feature CALLUM’s tartan but the leather’s colour is completely bespoke, matched to a unique palette specified by CALLUM.”
Bridge of Weir Leather Company is the largest automotive leather supplier in the UK, competes in the top 10 globally, and has been at the forefront of innovation and quality for over a century. Starting with the Model T Ford in the early 20th century, the company now supplies the global automotive industry and its greatest brands and products that are household names around the world. The company’s leather has been a major export from Scotland for 70 years, with 90 per cent of its product now sold overseas to more than 20 countries spanning the globe.
