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
13. Lewis's in Leeds
Steel framework is being put up during the construction of the store in October 1931. 5,000 tons of British steel was used in the construction. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Lewis's in Leeds
The store under construction in December 1931, as seen from the junction of New Briggate (off to right) and The Headrow (left). The firm of Waygood - Otis are responsible for the installation of the lifts and escalators. This is a British offshoot of Otis Elevator Company who first introduced 'moving stairs' or escalators to the world in 1899. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
15. Lewis's in Leeds
The store from the junction of Briggate and The Headrow during construction of an extra floor on top of building in December 1938. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net