Burton Group Ltd, Clothing Manufacturers, Leeds (WYL1951)
1896 - 1985
The Tailor of Taste
The Queen & Lionel Jacobsen, Chairman. Copyright of Yorkshire Evening News
Well established by the 1920s, the original factory of the Burton Group Ltd on Hudson Road, Leeds, was often host to numerous luminaries from all over the world. Amongst those touring the factory over the years and trying their hand at the daily jobs were the South African Farmers Union, the Archduke Robert of Austria, John Winart the American Ambassador, King Peter of Yugoslavia and the Australian Cricket Team.
The visitors ranged from school children to royalty, with the Princess Royal Mary opening the Princess Royal Canteen in 1934. However it was the first visit of a ruling monarch to the factory when The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh came in 1958 as part of their two day tour of Leeds, where they also visited Harewood House, Leeds University and the City Art Gallery.
The royal pair were given an honorary tour on Friday the 17th October where they were welcomed with screams and songs of ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ from the 7,000 workers lining the walkways, excited to be in their presence and eager to show off their work. The Queen was introduced to those outstanding members of the workforce who had been employed for over 30 years, and after being shown the different stages in the process of manufacturing the suits, was presented with a display of the final products.
The visitors ranged from school children to royalty, with the Princess Royal Mary opening the Princess Royal Canteen in 1934. However it was the first visit of a ruling monarch to the factory when The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh came in 1958 as part of their two day tour of Leeds, where they also visited Harewood House, Leeds University and the City Art Gallery.
The royal pair were given an honorary tour on Friday the 17th October where they were welcomed with screams and songs of ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ from the 7,000 workers lining the walkways, excited to be in their presence and eager to show off their work. The Queen was introduced to those outstanding members of the workforce who had been employed for over 30 years, and after being shown the different stages in the process of manufacturing the suits, was presented with a display of the final products.
Leading the way in worker welfare
Billiards room for employees
Sir Montague Burton was not only renowned for his suits, but also for his approach to the welfare of his employees. His factories had their own doctor and dentist surgeries, sun rooms and break rooms, as well as canteens providing meals such as fish and chips. His concern also extended outside of work as field days, competitions, staff outings and parties were often organised.
In letters written by school children following a visit, something they all commented on was how happy the workers were, how well they were treated, and how they themselves would love to work for Burtons when they were older.
The collection spans from 1896 – 1985 and includes specific information for different branches, photos, advertising, training and trade unions, stocks and valuations and business records of not only Burton but also other companies.
For more information on what we hold take a look on our online catalogue.
In letters written by school children following a visit, something they all commented on was how happy the workers were, how well they were treated, and how they themselves would love to work for Burtons when they were older.
The collection spans from 1896 – 1985 and includes specific information for different branches, photos, advertising, training and trade unions, stocks and valuations and business records of not only Burton but also other companies.
For more information on what we hold take a look on our online catalogue.
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