Harris Lebus: A Romance with the Furniture Trade

Harris Lebus: A Romance with the Furniture Trade

This book explores the history of the furniture manufacturer Harris Lebus from 1840 to 1970. Four generations of the Lebus family were engaged in the business which evolved from a family partnership into a public company. Using personal testimonies from those who were there, aspects of the story of 'the largest furniture factory' in the world are told through their eyes and using, in as far as possible, their own words.

Fully supported by both Haringey Local History Archives and members of the extended Lebus family, Harris Lebus - A Romance with the Furniture Trade, fully illustrated with over 200 photographs and images is a must read! Paul Collier’s debut book appeals to a wide audience – interest in this history extends far beyond the locality of Tottenham Hale and Haringey, and will delight social historians and those with connections to the furniture trade, past and present.

Watch a short video about the book by Henry Jacobs ...

Regional Furniture Society Newsletter (Autumn 2020) :
"This is a valuable addition to sources on the history of late nineteenth- and twentieth-century commercial furniture production.   It is also a social history, telling the tale of the family and workplace community in Tottenham Hale."  - Liz Hancock

About the author: Paul has a BA (honours) in Humanities and another in Fine Art. Originally from Bath, he forged a career developing services with and for older people; he was Strategic Planning Officer for older people's services in Southwark and Chief Executive Officer for Age Concern (now AgeUK) in Harrow. Despite suffering chronic ill-health, Paul is currently on the local Clinical Governance Group – dual diagnosis mental health/drug and alcohol services. His paintings are owned by Lenny Henry, and the late Cilla Black. Harris Lebus – A Romance with the Furniture Trade is his first foray into authorship.