World famous tailoring chain Burton and Burton offered made-to-measure suits at everyday prices made from a factory on Hudson Road. It was founded by Sir Montague Burton after arriving in Leeds as a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant in 1900. His factory boasted Europe's largest canteen with the workforce turning out 30,000 suits a week. After the Second World War Burton was one of the suppliers of demob suits to the British government for demobilising servicemen, comprising jacket, trousers, waistcoat, shirt and underwear. By 1952 Burton's had over 600 shops. Clothing production ceased in 1981 and by 1994 Burton suits were made by Centaur. These photos - a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of Leeds City Council photographic archive Leodis - take you inside the factory and celebrate the impact the Burton empire had on the prosperity of your city. READ MORE: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Burton's
A photo of No2 Coat Room The image shows the factory floor with women sewing at the machines. The sign hanging from the ceiling above reads 'quality control'. | Leeds Museums Service Photo: Leeds Museums Service
2. Burton's
An aerial view of the Hudson Road factory from November 1937, which by 1925 was the largest in the world. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Burton's
Shops and houses on corner of Compton Road and Hudson Road. Burton's clothing factory is on opposite corner. a boy with a bicycle stands at edge of road by two belisha beacons. Pictured in June 1939. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Burton's
Behind the high brick wall is the sports ground for employees of Montague Burton the tailors. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Burton's
The premises of Montague Burton, The Tailor of Taste, showing building with large arched windows and two chimneys in the background. Pictured in June 1939. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Burton's
The Imperial Hotel on Briggate was demolished in 1961 and a new Burtons Store built on the site. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net