1982 marked the 50th anniversary of city centre department store Lewis's with celebrations held on Dortmund Square. Lewis's on The Headrow was the place to go for generations of aspirational shoppers and bargain-hunters all keen for their fix of retail therapy. It opened on the newly-widened Headrow in September 1932 with more than 120,000 there to enjoy the ceremony. It served the city for more than 60 years before becoming an Allders in the mid-1990s. They photos showcase the celebrations and also the famous Christmas displays. They are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 18 photo memories of Lewis's LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Lewis's in Leeds
The ground floor of Lewis's during the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Lewis's in Leeds
Christmas displays in one of the windows. The background resembles a pine furniture unit and ladies' perfumes and gifts are arranged on the shelves and around the Christmas tree. The 'halo' hairstyle of the adult mannequin and tiered skirts of both would be consistent with a late 1970s date. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Lewis's in Leeds
A display of furniture in one of Lewis's windows in the Headrow chosen to mark 50 years. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Lewis's in Leeds
Christmas display in the window of Lewis's. It depicts the genie emerging from Aladdins lamp. There is a storybook with red and gold lettering in the foreground made to look as if it has been left open at the appropriate page. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Lewis's in Leeds
One of the Christmas tableaux in Lewis's window depicting a scene from Cinderella. The two ugly sisters can be seen preening themselves at their well lit dressing tables while Cinderella stands in the shadows with head bowed. On the third floor of Lewis's the tableaux continued on the way to Santa's Grotto. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Lewis's in Leeds
This Christmas display in Lewis's window possibly dates from the late 1970s or early 1980s. Lewis's were well known for their elaborate displays, particularly the ones for children like this one depicting a scene from the fairy story Rumpelstiltskin. Here the miller's daughter watches gratefully as the little man spins the straw into gold. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net