One of my favourite shops for luxury
and great design is Liberty, in Regent Street in London. Probably one of the
best loved and recognizable department stores in the world
Founded in
1875 by Arthur Lazenby Liberty, it originally sold imported goods from the Far
East. As the son of a draper, following in his father’s footsteps he was an
apprentice to a draper at 16, going on to work at the Great Cloak and Shawl
Emporium on Regent Street. Arthur Lazenby Liberty was to become the manager of
the Oriental warehouse, a mecca for pre-Raphaelite artists. He had a passion
for the products he sold and soon become a friend of many leading artists of
the time; William Morris, Edward Burne Jones and Dante Rossetti. After 10 years
he asked to become a partner in the business, when this was refused he set up
on his own, using a loan from his father.
This became
known as the East India House, originally dealing with fabrics and silks from
China, Japan, India and Persia, gradually more goods were added such as
ceramics, Japanese fans and object d’ art. This was at the height of the
aesthetic movement and along with his friend’s, he was to change the taste of
fashion and decoration. His early passion for eastern arts and the desire to
educate, keen eye for style and astute business brain made Liberty a leading
retail tastemaker at the time.
A sociable
man, he moved in artistic circles as well as making influential friends amongst
the wealthy. He started using British manufacturers to print fabrics, and
Liberty prints are still popular today. Where possible he tried to promote
British Craftsmanship.
In 1870, Liberty and Co, as it was now known,
underwent rapid expansion and purchased 140-150 Regent Street. In the 1890s
Arthur Lasenby Liberty built strong relationships with many leading English
designers. Many of these designers were key figures in the Arts and Crafts and
Art Nouveau movements and Arthur Liberty was instrumental in the development of
Art Nouveau through his encouragement of such designers.
Arthur
Lazenby Liberty’s intuitive vision and pioneering spirit led him to travel the
world looking for individual pieces to inspire and excite his discerning clientele.
Liberty is not just a name above the door, its Arthur Liberty’s legacy, which
stands for integrity, value, quality and above all beautifully designed
product. This vision and spirit continues today within the same iconic Tudor
building.
Sara x
