History of Liberty and Co.
Arthur Lasenby Liberty: Pioneering Vision in Arts and Crafts
Arthur Lasenby Liberty was not just a visionary salesman and shopkeeper, but also a man with practical acumen, adept at enhancing his lifestyle and business. His property investments, like the purchase of a country mansion in Buckinghamshire, complemented with a private road to Great Missenden railway station, were strategic and served to streamline both his personal and professional life. His addition of a marble bench at Marylebone station, for instance, became a subtle symbol of his success and aspirations.
Liberty's humble beginnings were a far cry from his later wealth. Starting as a floor-boy at Farmer & Roger’s Great Shawl and Cloak Emporium at the age of eighteen, he was well-acquainted with the cloth business, thanks to his family’s background in drapery. His career took a significant turn in 1862 when he had the opportunity to unpack items from Rutherford Alcock’s Japanese exhibition at the London International Exhibition. By 1864, he had advanced to managing their Oriental Warehouse, a role that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
In May 1875, Liberty's ambition materialized into his first venture—a 'half-shop' at 218A Regent Street. There, he sold Eastern colored silks that resonated with the likes of Morris, Rossetti, and Burne-Jones, perfectly aligning with their interior design preferences. His timing was impeccable, coinciding with the burgeoning popularity of Japanese style.
By 1880, Liberty’s store had expanded its offerings, importing not just from Japan but also from Cairo, India, and China, and diversifying beyond silks. The growing demand soon necessitated a shift from importing to in-house production. In 1883, Liberty’s expanded into adjacent properties to establish the firm’s Furnishing and Decoration studio, collaborating with manufacturers like Ursin Fortier and H & J Cooper.
The Thebes Stool became a prominent feature in Liberty’s design repertoire. Leonard F. Wyburd, head of Liberty’s design studio, sought to dominate the market with unique Liberty versions of this pre-existing design by J.G Grace. Despite efforts to both emulate and modify the original design, the furniture produced in their workshops were distinctive hybrids.
Liberty’s approach to art and design, although practical and commercially successful, was not without controversy. While some designers, like Archibald Knox, created exclusively for Liberty’s, others like designer Ashbee criticized the firm for replicating their designs. Despite these critiques, Liberty’s remained a bastion of popular taste and innovative marketing.
By 1913, the year Arthur Lasenby Liberty was knighted, the company employed over a thousand people and had established an international presence with businesses in London, Birmingham, and Paris, a testament to Liberty’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision.
Researched and written by Tony Geering & Kristy Campbell.