Spotlight: Galen Leather

Over the years as our shop has grown, our staff has gone from being enthusiastic newbies in the pen world to being certified pen wonks. And as we’ve begun carrying around more and more pens of our own we’ve learned the importance (and pleasure!) of a well-designed carrying case. No one likes to throw their precious Sailor pen into an overstuffed bag or stick it in a pocket; it’s much better protected in a proper case. But beyond practicalities, the joy of writing is perceptibly enhanced by the rituals of preparation: making a cup of coffee, selecting paper, withdrawing your pen from its snug berth and settling yourself just so. A good carrying case is a little self-contained ritual you can bring with you anywhere. 

Galen Leather’s gorgeous pen cases and notebook covers are favorites among stationery enthusiasts for their thoughtful designs and excellent quality. Their products are handcrafted with ethically sourced leather that’s vegetable-tanned and dyed in Turkey. They’re sturdily constructed and made to last—perfect companions for your favorite writing tools.

Galen Leather is a family-owned business based in Istanbul, Turkey. Its founders, sister and brother Zeynep and Yusuf Perens, started the company after Zeynep was diagnosed in 2012 with a cancer that left her unable to speak during treatment. Prevented from continuing in her advertising and sales career, she began an online business selling leather goods and traditional Turkish kilims to help support her family, sourcing from a crafter in southern Turkey, with photography help from her brother Yusuf. And when business increased and their vendor was unable to keep up with the demand, Zeynep and Yusuf began to learn leather crafting themselves. They began designing and creating notebook covers, tech accessories, and other specialty products, growing a loyal following. 

Sadly, Zeynep passed away in 2019. Her legacy continues in Galen Leather, lovingly carried on by her brother Yusuf and husband Yunus. They work with their team to craft the leather goods that she loved, made to inspire others in their creative pursuits.

Galen Leather’s products use natural materials like leather, brass, and wood that become more beautiful with age and wear. We were first drawn to their pen cases, which come in many different configurations for pen collections of different sizes, but we soon fell in love with their other goods. They make leather notebook covers, folio cases, laptop cases, and more. As their business has grown, they’ve expanded to brass accessories, wooden desk organizers, and writing cases. Many of their notebook covers are designed to be compatible with other well-loved stationery brands like Traveler’s and Hobonichi.

Supply chain issues have kept Galen Leather’s wholesale business limited in recent years, so we’re truly honored to be able to carry their goods at The Paper Mouse. So far we’re carrying a selection of their pen cases, leather portfolios, and notebook covers, as well as leather wallets and a handsome wooden pen rest.

See our Galen Leather collection >