The Portamus Story
Ben: The Maker
Our pieces are designed and made by Ben, an accessories maker with over 25 years of experience.
Portamus brings together decades of knowledge, experimentation and a long-standing passion for well-made equipment. Portamus grew from a desire to create bags the way they used to be made, simple, dependable, built to last and effortlessly stylish, using materials and components sourced from specialist makers across Britain and Europe.
Every product is designed and made by hand in small batches in the Stroud Valleys, where Ben continues a tradition of thoughtful making and careful craftsmanship.
Materials are at the heart of Portamus.
Each component is carefully chosen for durability, character and provenance, from traditional British woven fabrics to vegetable-tanned leather produced by small Italian family tanneries. The smallest details are considered, drawstrings woven on vintage looms in Lancashire and hardware made to custom specifications. The aim is simple: to create products that age beautifully and last for decades.
Our Philosophy
Leather
Fabrics
Tooling
Lining
Ben produces each piece individually using traditional methods and carefully selected materials.
This approach allows complete control over quality and ensures every product meets the standards Portamus is built on.
Our pieces are for people who choose good design, who prefer fewer, better things — products designed to be used, relied upon and enjoyed over time.
Hardware