Cooper & Leatherbarrow - Horden

Cooper & Leatherbarrow Opticians has been a trusted name in eyecare since its establishment in 1902 by Ernest Cooper. Originating in a former photographer’s business on the corner of Russell Street and Northgate in Darlington, the practice saw significant growth when George Leatherbarrow joined in 1912, leading to the formation of Cooper & Leatherbarrow in the mid-1930s.

In 1967, the practice made a pivotal move to its current Darlington location on Duke Street in Darlington, where it has been proudly serving clients as a family firm ever since. Ellis Leatherbarrow, the grandson of George, joined the business in 1981 and now holds the role of principal, succeeding his father, Ian, upon his retirement in 1995. Now, Cooper & Leatherbarrow has two more locations in Horden and Richmond. The Horden location (Gibson Opticians) can be found in Blanford Buildings in Dene Terrace.

Since its inception, Cooper & Leatherbarrow has housed full workshop facilities, offering a comprehensive and prompt repair service. The workshop manager, Howard Bainbridge, has over 60 years of experience and holds the esteemed title of Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

As a family business in every sense, the opticians cater to a diverse patient base, ranging from toddlers to great-grandparents. Many clients have been loyal customers for over 50 years.

At Cooper & Leatherbarrow Opticians, the entire team is dedicated to meeting those needs, resulting in a high percentage of repeat business and referrals. The practice welcomes the opportunity to earn the trust of new clients and strives to deliver the best service in the eyecare industry.