Paul Whitehead founded Major John in 2014 during his third year as an architecture student at the University of the Free State.

Major John's first products were a range of wooden bow ties made in Paul's parent’s garage, and sanded outside his residence between classes. His mother made the fabric straps and hand stitched each bow tie together.

Since then the brand has grown to a range of genuine leather accessories, aprons and concrete and timber lamps.

Our products are handcrafted from the best locally sourced leather and wood.

Major John combines the ideals of the Arts-and-Crafts movement with modern trends to create unique handcrafted products.

 

The Story Behind each Major John Bow Tie from Majorjohn on Vimeo.