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.
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
Vintage Leather Bulldog Footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch
By Dimitri Omersa, Abercrombie & Fitch
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
Pig Stool by Dimitri Omersa in Brown Leather, 1950s
By Liberty of London, Dimitri Omersa
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
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
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
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
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
Small Infant Liberty's London Omersa Brown Leather Hippopotamus Footstool
By Liberty of London, Dimitri Omersa
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
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
1960s Dimitri Omersa 36" Leather Rhinoceros Ottoman Abercrombie Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The highly collectable Rhinoceros footstool/ ottoman designed by Dimitri Omersa. Heavy leather patchwork with great patina. This is an older version with nailed on feet. This piece w...
Leather
Dimitri Omersa Rhinoceros Leather Footstool by Abercrombie & Fitch C1965
By Dimitri Omersa, Abercrombie & Fitch
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
Mid-century Dimitri Omersa for Valenti Home Bull Ottoman
By Valenti, Dimitri Omersa
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
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
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 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
Leather Elephant Small Footstool, by Dimitri Omersa, 1960s
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Delft, NL
Leather Elephant small footstool, by Dimitri Omersa, 1960s An Elephant footstool, made in brown leather and firmly filled with straw, by Dimitri Omersa, 1960s The elephant was the first piece designed by Dimitri Omersa when it took over the art of making leather animals from “old bill...
Leather
$3,753
H 35.44 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
1960s Leather Kangaroo by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Omersa, Dimitri Omersa, Liberty of London
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
$1,842
H 6.89 in W 5.12 in D 12.6 in
Small Infant Liberty's London Omersa Brown Leather Hippopotamus Footstool
By Liberty of London, Dimitri Omersa
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
'Le Temoin' Stool by Man Ray for Gavina
By Man Ray, Gavina
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Beautiful example in pristine condition, designed by Man Ray for Gavina's ultramobile exhibition.
Faux Leather, Acrylic, Foam, Plywood
$695
H 3 in W 5.5 in D 7 in
Vintage Omersa Leather Turtle Use as Paperweight or Decorative, Retains Label
By Dimitri Omersa, 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
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant vintage modern foot stool features black lacquered legs. Unique walnut cross beams connect each leg adding sturdiness and style. The sleek black vinyl top is molded for comfo...
Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
Leather Rhinoceros Attributed to Dimitri Omersa (large version)
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Incredible solid brown leather Rhinoceros in the style of Abercrombie & Fitch and Dimitri Omersa. Incredible color and patina with green eyes. This ...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair and Ottoman by DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning vintage modern lounge and ottoman covered in tufted black leather with a tubular chrome plated frame. This sleek lounge chair boasts thick cushioned arm rests, a sculpted ...
Metal
$1,979
H 7.29 in W 12.41 in D 5.12 in
SMALL SiZED LIBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA BROWN LEATHER HIPPOPOTAMUS FOOTSTOOL
By Omersa, 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, small sized 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa brown leather han...
Leather
$5,900 / set
H 14 in W 22 in D 22 in
Jacques Charpentier Mid-Century Modern Tufted Leather Ottoman Stool Pair
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Jacques Charpentière Mid-Century Modern 1970 French stool, ottoman side tables in original tufted brown leather upholstery and polished chrome base. Very good original condi...
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Ottoman, Dunbar Larsen Style
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
All original mid century ottoman on wheels.
Fabric, Wood
$2,200
H 13 in W 25 in D 9 in
20th Century English Vintage Leather Rhinoceros Footstool by Dimitri Omersa
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
Mid-Century Modern Eames Leather Ottoman by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
This authentic Herman Miller Eames Ottoman exemplifies timeless mid-century modern design with its sleek profile and exceptional craftsmanship. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, it ...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Leather Pig Foot Stool
By Dimitri Omersa, Sarreid Ltd.
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 13 in W 42.13 in D 10.63 in
Dimitri Omersa pig in leather Abercrombie & Fitch United Kingdom 1960
By Valenti, Dimitri Omersa
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
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
Dimitri Omersa footstool Model rhino made in England 1960
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Oirlo, LI
Dimitri Omersa, originally from Yugoslavia, arrived in Hitchin, England in 1955 and entered the leather trade. There, he met a Liberty's of London designer known as 'Old Bill,' who...
Leather
Dimitri Omersa, Toro, Inghilterra anni '70
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Rivoli, IT
Poggiapiedi in pelle a forma di Toro disegnato da Dimitri Omersa negli anni '70
Leather
Vintage Leather Lion Footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Iconic vintage leather lion footstool designed by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch. Original from the 1960’s. Absolutely stunning and well executed design. It is in good vintag...
Leather
1960s Dimitri Omersa 32" Leather Bear Ottoman Abercrombie Fitch Rare
By Dimitri Omersa, Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The highly collectable Bear footstool/ ottoman designed by Dimitri Omersa. Heavy leather patchwork with great patina. This is an older version with remn...
Leather
Leather Bull Stool by Dimitri Omersa, 1960s
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Bull-shaped leather stool designed by Dimitri Omersa. The ears have been restored. Wear due to time and age FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Leather
The Rhinoceros Footstool by Dimitri Omersa 1960
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Oirlo, LI
This unique leather rhinoceros footstool, designed by Dimitri Omersa in the 1960s for Abercrombie & Fitch, is a stunning example of craftsmanship and style. Made from high-quality ...
Leather
Sold
H 15.75 in W 33.47 in D 9.85 in
An Early 1960's Leather Rhinoceros Footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Liberty's
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A leather Rhinoceros footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Liberty's of London. Good original condition in keeping with age and use. Dimensions: H 40cm W 85cm D 25cm
Leather
Sold
H 9.45 in W 20.48 in D 9.85 in
Original 'Tortoise' Leather Footstool by Dimitri Omersa Circa 1960
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A leather Tortoise footstool by Dimitri Omersa. Stamped 'Made in England' to underside of belly. Good original condition in keeping with age and use.
Leather
Sold
H 19.69 in W 27.56 in D 9.85 in
Vintage 1960's Liberty's of London Leather Elephant Footstool by Dimitri Omersa
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A leather Elephant footstool by Dmitri Omersa. Stamped 'Liberty's of London' to inside of ear. Slight wear to the left tusk, otherwise good original condition in keeping with age and...
Leather