Omersa is best known for its iconic leather footstools and decorative objects that take on animal forms. The British furniture brand appropriately began with a pig.
Legend has it that a man named “Old Bill” worked for eclectic department store Liberty of London and wanted to use leftover scraps of leather from handmade luggage to craft an animal-shaped footstool. The first swine-shaped ottoman was born in 1927. Decades later, in 1958, Yugoslavian native Dimitri Omersa had found work in the leather industry in a town in Hertfordshire after time spent imprisoned in the years following World War II. He was working for an independent leather company when he and Bill crossed paths. Taking a shine to one another, Dimitri took over production of the playful leather pig footstools and ottomans for Liberty, and Old Bill retired.
Omersa’s line of animal-themed furnishings expanded to include donkeys, elephants and more. The company made these home accessories in the United Kingdom specifically for Liberty until the mid-1970s and the ears of the lovable leather creatures that were produced during the era are said to have been adorned with the retailer’s branding. A leather badge now appears on the furnishings that is inclusive of the name Omersa as well as the year of manufacture.
Today Omersa creates bespoke leather stools, desktop accessories and other seating in various animal shapes. The company’s artisans rely on traditional methods to craft each of their pieces by hand, paying particular attention to sustainable practices. To this day, Liberty continues to stock the Omersa animals it has carried since the 1930s.
In 1963, the animals crossed the pond to America and won a gold medal at the California State Fair. The mid-1960s saw a relationship take shape between Omersa and Abercrombie & Fitch — long before it transformed into a clothing mecca for teens in the 1990s and early 2000s — while the 1980s saw Omersa forge a partnership with Scully and Scully, a purveyor of luxury furniture and decor founded in New York City.
Dimitri Omersa passed away in 1975, but the animals continued to be produced by his wife Inge for another decade.
While the ownership of the business has changed hands more than once since then, Omersa’s artisans continue to create a range of animal-shaped decorative objects and furnishings that include sheep, cows, horses and more. Annual production is limited, and each piece, made with top grain cowhide leather sourced from an environmentally responsible UK tannery and stuffed with the wood wool of European pine trees, is designed and produced by local craftspersons in Lincolnshire, England.
Find authentic Dimitri Omersa leather animals, decorative objects, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Dimitri Omersa Leather Hippopotamus Footstool with Original Label, 1960-75
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Downingtown, PA
Dimitri Omersa Leather Hippopotamus Footstool with Original Label Circa 1960–1975 The small leather hippopotamus stands foursquare on four stout legs, the barrel body worked in hand...
Leather
Pig Stool by Dimitri Omersa in Brown Leather, 1950s
By Dimitri Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handsome handmade leather pig footstool / ottoman designed and manufactured at the 1950s by Dimitri Omersa for Liberty of London. Pig ottoman first made in the 1930's for Liberty '...
Leather
Vintage Leather Rhinoceros Footstool by Dimitri Omersa, Circa 1970
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage English leather footstool, accent in the shape of a rhinoceros from Dimitri Omersa, in good condition. Minor fading, due to age. W...
Leather
Largest Leather Rhino Stool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch, Signed
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Lisse, NL
A wonderful and original collectors example of the large-size rhinoceros footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch. This impressive size and highly decorative design Rhi...
Leather, Glass
20th Century English Vintage Elephant Footstool in Leather by Dimitri Omersa
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage English hand crafted leather footstool in the shape of an elephant designed by Dimitri Omersa. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1970, Unite...
Leather
Dimitri Omersa Leather Kangaroo Magazine Holder
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Amazing leather kangaroo magazine holder designed by Dimitri Omersa.
Leather
Mid-century Dimitri Omersa for Valenti Home Bull Ottoman
By Dimitri Omersa, Valenti
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-century Dimitri Omersa for Valenti Home Bull Ottoman Offered for sale is a vintage cowhide-leather bull ottoman or footstool by Dimitri Omersa (1927-1975) for Valenti Home. Wh...
Cowhide, Leather
Large Leather Rhino by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Leather Rhino by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch Has conquered many battles, comes with age and repairs with a lovely Patina. Front legs are slightly bent, nice to ...
Leather
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Leather Bulldog Ottoman by Abercrombie & Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous ottoman by Abercrombie and Fitch in the form of a bulldog. Unbelievably cute, such a face! In excellent vintage condition as this was recolored just recently. Designed by Di...
Leather
1960s Leather Kangaroo by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch
By Omersa, Dimitri Omersa, Liberty of London, Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Beerse, VAN
Look at this beautiful leather kangaroo designed by Dimitri Omersa, made in England in the 1960s and produced for Liberty of London and Abercrombie & Fitch. It is entirely hand-...
Leather
20th Century English Vintage Bulldog Footstool in Leather by Dimitri Omersa
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage English dark leather bulldog shaped footstool designed by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch, in good condition. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age an...
Leather
Hippopotamus by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch - 1960s
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent Leather Hippopotamus Designed in the 1960s by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch. This hypopotamus is part of a whole series of different leather animals created by O...
Leather
Omersa Made in England Handcrafted Leather Rhino Footstool / Ottoman Circa 1960s
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimitri Omersa handcrafted leather rhino footstool or ottoman. Circa 1960's. The leather is very thick and shows patina and wear throughout. Original glass eyes. Under one ear, t...
Leather
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Lion Leather Footstool, circa 1950s
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Vis, NL
Vintage Dimitri Omersa lion footstool with light wear and patina on the leather consistent with wear and age.
Leather
Small Infant Liberty's London Omersa Brown Leather Hippopotamus Footstool
By Dimitri Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa brown leather land dyed infant Hippo stool or footstool with original glass eyes. These come in varying sizes, this is the small sized infant, I have the matching medium sized male and female listed under my other items, I also have the extra large bench...
Leather
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Leather Pig Ottoman for Abercrombie & Fitch, England
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a charming and highly collectible leather pig ottoman designed by Dimitri Omersa and retailed by Abercrombie & Fitch during the 1960s. Handcrafted in England from richly ...
Leather
Vintage Omersa Leather Donkey
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic leather donkey by Omersa. Definitely a very early model. Missing eyes and ears and tail. Great looking age and patina. Perfect stool, ottoman or...
Leather
Dimitri Omersa & Co Pig in Leather for Abercrombie, England, 1980
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Paris, IDF
Very nice Pig by Dimitri Omersa & Co in leather for Abercrombie England 1980 Good condition.
Leather
Dimitri Omersa Rhinoceros Leather Footstool by Abercrombie & Fitch C1965
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Absolutely fantastic piece of Sculptural Art in a piece of furniture by Abercrombie and Fitch, designed and executed by Dimitri Omersa C1965. In amazing vintage condition with minor ...
Leather, Art Glass
Vintage Omersa Leather Turtle Use as Paperweight or Decorative, Retains Label
By Omersa, Dimitri Omersa
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Dimitri Omersa embossed brown leather Turtle with label. Can be used as a paperweight or as decoration. Fun size. In fine condition, retains label.
Leather
Guillerme et Chambron Magazine Holder
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Guillerme et Chambron magazine or book holder with wonderful oak patina and thick dowel design Sold individually
Oak
$1,844
H 6.89 in W 5.12 in D 12.6 in
Small Infant Liberty's London Omersa Brown Leather Hippopotamus Footstool
By Dimitri Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa brown leather land dyed infant Hippo stool or footstool with original glass eyes. These come in varying sizes, this is the small sized infant, I have the matching medium sized male and female listed under my other items, I also have the extra large bench...
Leather
$971Sale Price|25% Off
H 41.5 in W 9 in D 7.75 in
Witco Tiki Fireplace Tool Set, Cedar & Metal, 1960s USA
By Witco, William Westenhaver / Witco
Located in Chattanooga, TN
An exceptionally rare Witco fireplace tool set, circa 1960s–1970s, hand-carved in solid swamp cedar and paired with Brutalist metal panels and original wrought-iron tools. This drama...
Metal
$695
H 3 in W 5.5 in D 7 in
Vintage Omersa Leather Turtle Use as Paperweight or Decorative, Retains Label
By Omersa, Dimitri Omersa
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Dimitri Omersa embossed brown leather Turtle with label. Can be used as a paperweight or as decoration. Fun size. In fine condition, retains label.
Leather
Wicker Rattan Magazine Holder
Located in New York, NY
A rattan wicker magazine holder stand, circa mid-20th century. Piece has two storage compartment areas to hold magazines, newspapers, papers, books, etc. A great addition to an offic...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Hand-Carved Wood Popeye Figure with Original Paint Surface
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage popeye figure. Hand-carved wood with amazing alligatored paint surface complete with anchor forearm tattoos. Created from three pieces of...
Wood
$3,210
H 12.6 in W 25.79 in D 9.85 in
COLLECTABLE LIBERTY's LONDON OMERSA BROWN LEATHER HIPPOPOTAMUS FOOTSTOOL HIPPO
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original, 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa brown leather hand dyed Hipp...
Leather
Gold Contemporary Magazine Holder
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold contemporary magazine holder Dimensions: L 40.5 x W 30.3 x H 30.3 cm Materials: Steel. Also available in Silver and Black. Please contact us for more information. The design of the Curva magazine...
Steel
The Wind, Original Marble Sculpture, 1920s
Located in Roma, IT
The Wind is an original marble sculpture made by Anonymous artist and realized in the 1920s. A beautiful white marble sculpture representing a female portrait as the personificati...
Marble
Nickel Circular Compact Magazine Holder
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Nickel circular compact magazine holder.
Nickel
$1,842
H 14.57 in W 12.41 in D 3.94 in
Original New Old Stock Circa 1900 Liberty's London Marionette String Puppet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare, new old stock Liberty's London Marionette string puppet A lovely example and a great size, it is ...
Oak, Pine
Witco Kitty Cat Magazine Holder
By Witco, William Westenhaver / Witco
Located in Highland, IN
This kitty cat is Classic Witco– the company founded by William Westenhaver and known most famously as the furniture that adorns Elvis' "jungle room." Made of deeply carved swap cedar and finished in the Classic Witco way with the dark, raised grain, it's in the form of a cat with a body wrapped in faux fur and designed to hold books or magazines. Loaded with charm and whimsy, it is the perfect addition to hip retro pad or Tiki room...
Faux Fur, Cedar
Sold
H 13.39 in W 22.05 in D 9.06 in
Vintage Leather Pig By Dimitri Omersa for Liberty and Abercrombie and Fitch
By Liberty of London, Dimitri Omersa
Located in London, London
A mid to late 20th century leather pig ottoman produced by Omersa for Liberty, crafted in thick, hand-dyed hide with a rich, naturally patinated surface. The form is softly modelled,...
Leather
Sold
H 17 in W 28.5 in D 9.5 in
Vintage Leather Pig Footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming hand-stitched leather pig sculpture/ottoman by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch (ca. 1960s, England). Supple leather has been oiled and conditioned to eradicate dry ...
Leather
Leather Bulldog ottoman by Dimitri Omersa, England 1960s
By Dimitri Omersa, Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in ECHT, NL
Original vintage leather footstool. Designed and made by Dimitri Omersa for Abercromby and Fitch. Hand crafted from scrap leather and filled with wood shavings. The Bulldog is one of...
Leather
Sold
H 10 in W 14 in D 6.5 in
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Leather Duck Doorstop by Abercrombie and Fitch, 1950s
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Troy, MI
Leather duck sculpture or doorstop by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch England circa 1950's Crafted in saddle brown leather with hand stitched contours and weighted interior...
Leather
Sold
H 19 in W 30.5 in D 13.5 in
Leather Stool / Object by Dimitri Omersa, Retailed by Abercrombie & Fitch, 1960s
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Round Rock, TX
Leather Lion Footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie $ Fitch, England, 1960s–1970s Original leather lion footstool designed by Dimitri Omersa and retailed by Abercrombie & Fitch...
Leather
Dimitri Omersa Vintage Leather Elephant for Abercrombie
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury leather elephant designed by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch. This piece was part of the Africa series manufactured in the 1960s. Features handstitched aged leath...
Leather
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Leather Pig Foot Stool
By Sarreid Ltd., Dimitri Omersa
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming handmade leather pig footstool or ottoman was designed and manufactured at the 1950s by Dimitri Omersa . This Pig ottoman was first made in the 1930's for Liberty 's Lo...
Leather
Sold
H 32.29 in W 16.54 in D 29.14 in
Dimitri Omersa leather magazine pouch kangeroo, Almazán, Spain, 1970 (Stamped)
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in The Hague, NL
Very decorative leather “Kangaroo” magazine holder, designed by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch, circa 1960s. These charming leather animals were retailed by Abercrombie & Fit...
Leather
Sold
H 13.25 in W 14.25 in D 10.5 in
Mid Century Modern Leather Bull Mount by, Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch
By Dimitri Omersa, Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Englewood, NJ
A fine and extremely rare Mid Century Modern Leather "Bull Mount" by, Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch. The mount is hand crafted and hand stitched in the form of a bull finish...
Brass
Sold
H 13 in W 42.13 in D 10.63 in
Dimitri Omersa pig in leather Abercrombie & Fitch United Kingdom 1960
By Dimitri Omersa, Valenti
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This charming leather pig is an iconic design by Dimitri Omersa and manufactured by Valenti, originally created for Abercrombie & Fitch in the 1960s. Handcrafted in the United Kingdo...
Leather
Sold
H 18.5 in W 29 in D 9.5 in
Vintage Leather Bulldog Footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming leather bulldog sculpture/ottoman by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch (ca. 1960s, England). Recently oiled and conditioned - supple leather shows warm patina/light a...
Metal
Vintage Leather Elephant / Foot Stool by Dimitri Omersa
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Dimitri Omersa designed the elefanth in the mid-1960s. The elephant was manufactured probably by Almazan in Spain. A similar exemplar was shown in the exhibition “Tierisch schön?” a...
Leather