The reputation of the tanners of Pont-Audemer was established in the Middles Ages and has not faltered since. In the 18th century, an English foundry set up there to manufacture the nails, decorations and buckles needed to make leather objects. In 1821, 20-year-old Thierry Hermès, the future founder of the Hermès House, arrived as an apprentice for a saddlery and leatherworker. Fifteen years later, he opened a saddle and harness factory in Paris that would become the famous luxury house at the end of the 19th century.