Harris Lebus:  Loving Lebus - By Paul Collier

This is part 2 of the Lebus story. Lebus was a prolific furniture manufacturer and wholesaler. It’s furniture was much loved and was shipped throughout the world as well as the UK. Lebus proudly asserts a place amongst its contemporaries. In fact, Lebus has been described as ‘the litmus paper for the furniture industry’. Lebus worked with and supplied hundreds of retailers, from the smallest to the the giants, such as Maple and Co., Waring and Gillow and Heals. ‘Loving Lebus: Looking into Lebus Furniture’ places Lebus at the nexus of British furniture in the twentieth century. Whilst Lebus furniture takes centre-stage, we can also trace changes in style and tastes as well as how we used our homes. The author has selected a collection of the best images – advertisements, catalogue images and photographs of Lebus furniture pieces today in their original state or decoratively painted by professional furniture up-cyclers. Lebus furniture is enjoying a resurgence. Lebus Upholstery, based in Scunthorpe is a thriving business today. 

As the passage of time passes by the humble cup of tea becomes more elusive, it can now be served in a small individual tea pot with a small pot of milk next to it. No more of the big old double handed tea post with the tea left stewing inside and more water added. In the era of fast food like kebabs, pizzas, chicken takeaway’s and hamburgers the traditional old English Dinner has all but disappeared as have the establishments that used to sell them.

One has heard a café described as a disappearing world sheltered from the lates fads, corporate gimmicks and design trends, sheltered from an alienating and increasingly alien culture of globalised and sterilised shopping, eating and consuming.

I hope the stories contained within these pages give the reader a glimpse into the past and they find the stories entertaining and informative.

The Book can be ordered directly from: N.E Doyle, 8 Napier Road, Tottenham, London N 15 6XX

Cost £3.00

Harris Lebus: A Romance with the Furniture Trade

This book explores the history of the furniture manufacturer Harris Lebus from 1840 to 1970. Four generations of the Lebus family were engaged in the business which evolved from a family partnership into a public company. Using personal testimonies from those who were there, aspects of the story of 'the largest furniture factory' in the world are told through their eyes and using, in as far as possible, their own words.

Fully supported by both Haringey Local History Archives and members of the extended Lebus family, Harris Lebus - A Romance with the Furniture Trade, fully illustrated with over 200 photographs and images is a must read! Paul Collier’s debut book appeals to a wide audience – interest in this history extends far beyond the locality of Tottenham Hale and Haringey and will delight social historians and those with connections to the furniture trade, past and present.

The book has been researched and written by Paul Collier and can be obtained from Amazon or directly from the publishers https://www.libripublishing.co.uk/Products/ProdID=218

It is hoped that copies will later be available from Bruce Castle Museum.