They turn back the clock to the 1930s when work began on building department store Lewis's on The Headrow in the city centre. Lewis's originated as a small shop in Liverpool managed by David Lewis an apprentice tailor who decided to set up a menswear business of his own. This was founded in 1856 and the slogan was 'Lewis's, the friends of the people'. The aim was to supply good quality, well cut colourful clothing to the working classes. This aim extended to home furnishings and so Lewis's became a department store. After David Lewis's death his nephew Louis Cohen took over the company and recruited Frederick James Marquis to the board (later to become Lord Woolton, Minister of Food). With stores already successful in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, Marquis acquired the Leeds site for £160,000 and work was begun on the £750,000 store. It was opened in September 1937. Originally it was only one floor with the remainder completed 1938. READ MORE: 18 memories of Leeds department store Lewis's LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Lewis's in Leeds
An architects drawing for Lewis's store in 1930 by Reginald Blofield shows exterior plans. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Lewis's in Leeds
The Headrow construction site of the new Lewis's store in April 1931.. The site is being excavated before the laying of the foundations. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Lewis's in Leeds
The early stages in the construction of the store in August 1931 which was to occupy a site cleared of old property between The Headrow on the right, New Briggate, straight ahead, Mark Lane to the left, and Woodhouse Lane behind the camera. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Lewis's in Leeds
An undated architects plan by Reginald Blomfield for the Lewis's Store Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Lewis's in Leeds
September 1931 and the island site is bordered by Mark Lane, off to the left, Woodhouse Lane, behind the camera, New Briggate straight ahead and The Headrow, right, where the main frontage will be. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Lewis's in Leeds
December 1930 and pictured is Reginald Blomfield'a architects plan for the exterior of the store. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net