# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1. Biographical notes from the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by G. D. Rawle, rev. Gareth Shaw.

Liberty, Sir Arthur Lasenby (1843-1917), fabric manufacturer and retailer, was born at Chesham, Buckinghamshire, on 13 August 1843, the eldest son of Arthur Liberty, draper and lace manufacturer, of Nottingham and Chesham, and his wife, Rebecca Lasenby. He was educated at University School, Nottingham. On leaving school at the age of sixteen he began work in a relative's lace warehouse before moving to London, where he was appointed joint manager of Farmer and Roger's oriental warehouse in Regent Street. This was the foremost depot in England for the sale of goods from the Far East. Liberty held this position until 1874 and during this time he came into close contact with artists interested in oriental and other crafts, who used to meet there, among them Leighton, Burne-Jones, Rossetti, Whistler, and William Morris.

In 1875 Liberty married Emma Louise, daughter of Henry Blackmore, of Exmouth, Devon, and went into business on his own account, with three employees, at 218a Regent Street, which he called East India House. Here the same coterie of friends continued to meet. By 1882 the business had expanded so greatly that separate shop premises were opened at 142-4 Regent Street for the sale of home furnishings. The original East India House, which continued to sell fabric and dresses, also expanded to occupy nos. 216, 218, and 222 Regent Street. This was to form the site of the Liberty department store.

Liberty acquired a genuine enthusiasm for handcrafted wares and, with the zeal of a reformer, sought to provide an antidote to the spread of mass-produced goods. He was also a shrewd business organizer, careful in the selection and treatment of his staff, many of whom remained in his service throughout their working lives. One of his principal designers was the architect Edward William Godwin. Liberty was a zealous promoter of better conditions for employees and an enthusiastic supporter of the early-closing movement. But his success was due mainly to his own thorough methods, his artistic perception, and his knack of anticipating the trend of public taste. As early as 1875 he realized that the industries of the East were influencing a much wider circle than a few connoisseurs; he therefore tried to satisfy the growing demand for oriental textiles and colours by marketing fine fabrics of softer texture and subtler tint than had hitherto been generally obtainable in the West.

Liberty's influence on the British silk and woollen industry of the 1870s was considerable. In conjunction with his friend Sir Thomas Wardle he succeeded in introducing fine dyes previously supposed to be the exclusive product of the East. His aims were closely parallel with those of William Morris, and it has been supposed that Liberty was largely guided by Morris's example. The suggestion is erroneous, for Liberty was in close touch with a large circle, and his artistic ideas were influenced by the East rather than by the medieval Western art to which Morris was devoted. But both men educated the artistic taste of the public, and stimulated manufacturers to higher standards of design and workmanship. In 1888-9 Liberty and his wife visited Japan in order to study Japanese arts and crafts and the details of their manufacture.

In 1913 Liberty was knighted in recognition of his services to applied and decorative arts. He was JP and deputy lieutenant for the county of Buckingham, and high sheriff in 1899, juror on several international exhibitions, member of council of the London chamber of commerce, and an officer of numerous commercial and artistic associations. He retired from business in 1914, and died at his home, Lee Manor, Buckinghamshire, on 11 May 1917. He was survived by his wife. Since there were no children of his marriage, his business empire was continued by his nephew and great-nephews.
Sources
J. W. Ferry, A history of the department store (1960)
A. Adburgham, Shops and shopping, 1800-1914: where, and in what manner the well-dressed Englishwoman bought her clothes (1964)
A. Adburgham, Liberty's: a biography of a shop (1975)
Death certificate
CGPLA Eng. & Wales (1917) Archives City Westm. AC, corresp. and papers

The above picture is by Arthur Hacker, oils, exh. RA 1913, Liberty & Co. Ltd, London

2. Relevant dates and genealogical information, compiled by Michael Smith
Arthur Liberty 1814 - 1901
Arthur Lasenby Liberty 1843 - 1917

1814 Arthur Liberty (father of Arthur Lasenby Liberty) born

1842 Arthur Liberty married Rebecca Lasenby in Chesham Bucks

1843 Arthur Lasenby Liberty (ALL) born in Chesham, Bucks

1851 The family were living at Moor Farm, Chesham. The household consisted of Arthur and Rebecca Liberty, ALL, Gilbert and Laura Liberty, plus George and Elizabeth Sutthry with their son, and five servants.

Before 1861 The family moved to 2 Cranmer Street Nottingham.
Arthur Liberty worked as a draper or possibly lace manufacturer

1859 After his education at Universty School Nottingham ALL began work with his uncle who sold lace and later with another uncle who sold wine.

c. 1859 ALL apprenticed to a draper in Bakers Street London

1862 ALL began employment with Farmer and Rogers, women's fashion specialists, of Regent Street. He quickly rose to become manager of the warehouse but they refused to make him a partner in the business

1875 ALL married Emma Louise Blackmore, they had no children

1875 ALL opened Liberty & Co. in Regent Street

1880 ALL moved to the Manor House, the Lee Bucks

Between 1885-88 Arthur Liberty and family moved to Tintagel, 14 Mapperley Road, Nottingham where they lived until 1904

1899 ALL became High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire

1901 Arthur Liberty died

1917 ALL died at The Lee Bucks

Genealogical information via Google:
Sir Arthur Liberty's ancestry is:
Father: LIBERTY, Arthur
Birth: NOV 28 1814 - Weybridge, Surrey, England
Christening: DEC 25 1814 - Weybridge, Surrey, England
Census: 1841 - Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England
Marriage: OCT 4 1842 - Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England
Census: 1881 - Nottingham - St Mary, Nottinghamshire, England
Death: JUL 31 1901 - At the Lee, Buckinghamshire, England

His Father:
LIBERTY, Thomas
Birth: 1772
Marriage: JUN 3 1802 - Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England
Death: MAR 21 1820 - Weybridge, Surrey, England

His Father:
LIBERTY, Daniel
Birth: 1731 - Kensworth, Hertfordshire, England
Marriage: JAN 5 1756 - Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, England
Death: AUG 29 1815 - Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England

His Father:
LIBERTY, Daniel
Marriage: 1730

3. From Tom Zadik's research on 4 Cranmer Street:

Arthur George Liberty, a Lace Manufacturer with premises on Stoney Street.

The Libertys moved into no 2 Cranmer Street between 1854 and 1858 and lived there until after 1885. The 1861 census shows Arthur Liberty and his wife Rebecca, both aged 46, with their children Gilbert Charles (11), Ada Rebecca(7) and Octavia Rose(2) together with a servant called Emily Hart. It does not mention their son, also Arthur Liberty, who founded Liberty's of London. Liberty snr was born in Weybridge, Surrey, and we know from the Liberty's website that 'Arthur Lasenby Liberty was born in Chesham, Buckinghamshire in 1843. He was employed at Messrs Farmer and Rogers in Regent Street in 1862.' The younger children were born in Nottingham. In 1881 Ada and Octavia were still living with their parents.

Between 1885 and 1888 the family moved round the corner to 14 Mapperley Road, 'Tintagel'. The 1901 census shows that Arthur, Rebecca and Octavia were living there. One of the trade directories shows Rebecca as the householder in 1904, but by 1910 someone else was living there.

Researched by Michael Smith ©

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty and his family

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Liberty, Sir Arthur Lasenby (1843-1917), fabric manufacturer and retailer, was born at Chesham, Buckinghamshire, on 13 August 1843, the eldest son of Arthur Liberty, draper and lace manufacturer, of Nottingham and Chesham, and his wife, Rebecca Lasenby. He was educated at University School, Nottingham.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everyone knows that London is fantastic for shopping. But some of its shops are extra special. I'm talking about those large, famous department stores with long and illustrious histories, awe-inspiring Christmas window displays and in the case of Liberty especially, remarkable historic buildings! Here are some quirky facts about Liberty you might not know...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In fashion, labels come and go from decade to decade, but longevity is testament to design excellence, quality and a commitment to evolve with the times - while remaining true to one's heart, style and identity. It is hard to think of a name that epitomises this more than Liberty London, whose iconic brand and flagship store celebrate their 140th birthday this year.

So that you can join in the celebrations, Liberty is hosting a number of exciting parties, events and exhibitions (see the Dates for Your Diary box).

Liberty is also marking the occasion with an exclusive new print, 'Mayflower', named as a nod to the May anniversary and the iconic Mayflower weathervane that sits atop the store. Using the Liberty archive as inspiration, two key elements bring the print to life: the Art Nouveau swirls from the very early archive prints, and the more abstract, graphic detail from the Dahlia print representative of an exploding firework. This combination of classic and modern ensures the print is true to the Liberty brand.

It has been an incredible 140 years so far. Back in 1875, Arthur Lasenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took over half of 218a Regent Street with three dedicated staff. Devoted to his vision of an eastern bazaar and determined to change the look of homeware and fashion, his collection of ornaments, fabrics and objets d'art proved irresistible to a society intoxicated by Japan and the East. Within 18 months, the loan had been repaid, the second half of the building bought and neighbouring properties added to accommodate the demand for Liberty's beautifully crafted carpets and furniture.

By 1884, Arthur Liberty was working with Costume Society founder Edward William Godwin to create in-house apparel to challenge the fashions of Paris. As a Royal Warrant holder dedicated to quality, he also forged strong relationships with many British designers, most famously the protagonists of the Art Nouveau movement.

These are traditions that continue today in the store's commitment to inspirational, impeccably made goods and services.

From its in-house collections of scarves, accessories, beauty and fabrics, to the finest designer fashion and homeware, and collaborations with top designers and brands, Liberty is just as relevant and cutting-edge as ever.

Dates for your diary

9 October
Liberty in Fashion exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum

14 October
Ed Burstell book launch and signing

15 October
Eskandar personal appearance

11 November
Manolo Blahnik book launch and signing

15 November
Liberty Christmas window unveiling
Celebrating 140 years

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In fashion, labels come and go from decade to decade, but longevity is testament to design excellence, quality and a commitment to evolve with the times - while remaining true to one's heart, style and identity. It is hard to think of a name that epitomises this more than Liberty London, whose iconic brand and flagship store celebrate their 140th birthday this year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the full range of luxury fabrics, designer clothing, stylish homewares and sumptuous beauty products from Liberty, London's favourite heritage department store.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Christmas is coming and stores are already rolling out the decorations.

And Liberty London has a really incredible look this year.

The department store has created a colourful bonsai tree from fabric, that hangs from the ceiling through the middle of the iconic store.

Known as The Tree of Liberty, it's made from blue velvet branches and real reindeer moss.

Baubles, gifts and exotic animals are perched across the elaborate tree, which was unveiled on Tuesday.

It's based on a poem by Gabrielle Djanogly, which tells the story of an All-Seeing Owl and the vision he had for a magical tree.

People on social media have fallen in love with the creative decorations, with the post showing the first glimpse of the tree getting over 17,000 likes on Instagram.

One person said: 'This is the most creative Christmas tree. Adore the enchanting story too.'

Another added: 'I'm breathless. Absolutely divine.'

'Wow! stunningly beautiful I adore the sculptural tree. The velvet animals peacock and the gorgeous colours!' another fan said.

The whole theme runs through the store and even the windows tie into the idea of the story.

Liberty isn't the only store doing a new take on a traditional Christmas display.

Selfridges unveiled their Christmas display in October, featuring a futuristic silver Santa and symbolic representations of well-known family tales in each window.

'Future Fantasy: A Christmas For Modern Times' is the theme across all its store windows in London, Birmingham, Manchester and even online.

Themes include the Enchanted Forest, Rapunzel, Princess and the Pea and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Window shopping is so much more exciting at this time of year.

MORE: Woman's anger after man messaged her saying his granddad had died - before asking if she was single

MORE: My Label and Me: I was born without a voice but now I'm speaking out for others

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Liberty London has built an incredible floating velvet bonsai tree for Christmas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Christmas is coming and stores are already rolling out the decorations. And Liberty London has a really incredible look this year. The department store has created a colourful bonsai tree from fabric, that hangs from the ceiling through the middle of the iconic store.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The iconic, quintessentially British Liberty department store, renowned for its Tudor-style exterior and famous floral printed fabrics, celebrates its 140th anniversary this month.

Global Blue takes a tour inside to discover the best-selling products that customers can't get enough of, including leather animal-themed footstools, especially the rhino-inspired one seen above, pieces from English jewellery brand Alex Monroe, Aromatherapy Associates cult bath & shower oil, perfect after a long day of shopping, and of course, Liberty's own famous floral-printed silk scarves.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The iconic, quintessentially British Liberty department store, renowned for its Tudor-style exterior and famous floral printed fabrics, celebrates its 140th anniversary this month.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Liberty London has launched an editorial magazine to promote its beauty offering, with the aim of driving footfall to its store as well as cross-brand loyalty.

Altogether 25,000 copies of the title, which is simply named Beauty, will be distributed in-store while 50,000 will be mailed direct to customers enrolled in the Liberty Loyalty scheme.

Building on previous editorial installments it has offered to shoppers around its jewellery and fragrance departments, the first edition of the magazine debuted this week. The brand's marketing and communications director Madeleine Macey told The Drum that Liberty wants to offer people a physical product they can keep, and that previous investments in print have yielded impressive return for the retailer.

"We believe print still has a value to our customer - that special moment when you can pour over great stories and maybe learn something you didn't know before about a brand or a process," she said.

There are no full-on 'advertorial' spreads in the premium magazine, and the glossy is operating an invite-only policy around which brands can snap up its ad space. "We only stock the brands we truly believe in, and therefore we only invite people to advertise who we also truly believe in," asserted Macey.

Taylor Taylor, Byredo and Somerset House are among the brands featured in the first issue.

Brands turning to print to drive loyalty is nothing new; it's something retailers such as Waitrose and Asos have been doing for years, and Ikea recently admitted it spends 70% of its total annual marketing budget on print. Macey explained that anecdotal feedback from customers enrolled in its loyalty scheme around its fragrance and jewellery magazines was positive on the shop floor, and so it decided to branch out.

"We also have a sophisticated data analysis tool that can understand what our customers responded to and what drove footfall or conversion in store against the product we feature," she added. "The ROI is always excellent."

Beauty's first issue features an article profiling the company's founders, penned by Vogue's Nicola Moulton. A separate feature has seen the brand collaborate with four artists to re-create make-up looks as portraits using actual beauty products such as highlighter and blusher. The artists involved include Marco de Rae, Gill Button, Christina BanBan and Rob Philips, and the portraits are set to feature in an in-store exhibition.

The mag was developed hand-in-hand with creative comms agency Portas, and will be supported by a dedicated social push across Facebook and Instagram, with content also being repurposed for Liberty's own site.

Macey joined the brand in March this year from Manolo Blahnik where she was consulting global communications director. Her main objective since arriving has been to unify the many aspects of Liberty London, which is best known for its silk scarves and fabrics collection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Liberty London's marketing boss on its expanding print investment: 'It still has a value'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Liberty London has launched an editorial magazine to promote its beauty offering, with the aim of driving footfall to its store as well as cross-brand loyalty. Altogether 25,000 copies of the title, which is simply named Beauty, will be distributed in-store while 50,000 will be mailed direct to customers enrolled in the Liberty Loyalty scheme.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Good news, home designers! Liberty London are on the lookout for a fresh generation of budding home design makers, artists and craftspeople to pitch to them in an online competition. Read all about it here...
New Generation of Design Talent Sought by Liberty London in #LibertyOpenCall

Liberty London is giving emerging home interior design enthusiasts in the UK a chance to pitch their products to them in a unique way. The winning entrant will have their products stocked in the home department of the world-famous store in central London, making the dream of all young designers to see their own products on the shelves possible for the first time!

How to Enter

The competition is being run on Instagram only, something a little less conventional than the Regent Street store are used to, and entrants are encouraged to upload a photo of their product to their own public feed by 7 February 2018, using the hashtag #LibertyOpenCall for the chance to be picked.

"Liberty London has always been at the vanguard of discovering new talent and our mission statement is all about discovery. This competition is going back to our core aim of uncovering the new and extraordinary. This year we decided to bring the Liberty London Open Call up to date using social media as more people than ever are using channels like Instagram to show and sell off their creations." - Sarah Coonan, Head Buyer for Liberty London

On the lookout for those who have contributed to the industry for at least three years, the luxury department store are hoping to find the best untapped home interior design talent, be it from a teacher, student or individual who has sold their products at craft markets or exhibited their own work - as long as they haven't been stocked in other retailers.
READ MORE: Liberty London launches the Interiors Emporium
The Winner

The buyers at Liberty London will be viewing all of the photos tagged #LibertyOpenCall and contacting their favourites to be shortlisted via Instagram or direct message after the closing date, 7 February 2018. Once they have chosen the products to be shortlisted, the public will sway the vote by choosing their favourite product online at the Liberty Open Call Voting Page. Finally, the buying team will narrow it down to one final winner from the public's favourites, who will be announced during London Craft Week in May.

Good luck, entrants! We can't wait to discover a whole host of new design talents.

Update 19 February:

Liberty has revealed its Open Call finalists after a staggering 9,500 entries for the chance to be stocked on the legendary department store's shelves. Having painstakingly narrowed the entrants down to just 13 finalists, the Liberty London buyers need your help to choose - the public is being asked to 'share the love' here to help pick a winner. The winner will be revealed at a special event in partnership with London Craft Week this May. Take a look at some of the final entries below and pick your favourite...
For more information, visit libertylondon.com Looking for design inspiration? Check out our interiors ideas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
News: Liberty London Announces Open Call for Designers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Good news, home designers! Liberty London are on the lookout for a fresh generation of budding home design makers, artists and craftspeople to pitch to them in an online competition. Read all about it here... Liberty London is giving emerging home interior design enthusiasts in the UK a chance to pitch their products to them in a unique way.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tell us about the artwork you submitted... My Liberty Open Call entry is titled Palace Gardens. I made the image using scraperboard and coloured it digitally by scanning the original artwork and using a tablet with Photoshop.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Today London's iconic shopping destination Liberty is launching an online competition, to find a new generation of home design talent

Liberty's online 'Open Call' competition is an initiative that encourages UK-based makers to upload a photo of their products to Instagram, using the hashtag #LibertyOpenCall to get noticed.

As social media, namely Instagram, becomes the best modern platform for small-scale craftspeople to exhibit their work it's no wonder Liberty London are utilizing it to find new design talent. The buying team will select their favourites, the successful entrants will have their homewares stocked in the world-famous home department at Liberty.

'Liberty London has always been at the vanguard of discovering new talent and our mission statement is all about discovery,' explains Sarah Coonan Head buyer at Liberty London, 'This competition is going back to our core aim if uncovering the and extraordinary. '

Love Liberty prints? Don't miss A match made in heaven! Liberty prints come to Anthropologie

Sarah goes on to say, 'This year we decided to bring the Liberty London Open Call up to date using social media as more people than ever are using channels like Instagram to show and sell their creations. Liberty London's mission is to bring together an edit of the world's greatest craftsmen and this competition will help us to find the best new talent from around the British Isles.'

Liberty London has championed new design since it first opened it's doors in 1875. It's this ethos that has made it one of London's most iconic shopping emporiums, the homes department is a haven for unique and wondrous Homewares.

Do you have a talent for making beautiful creations for the home? Get snapping and upload your photos to Instagram, to be in with a chance of winning the privilege of being a part of Liberty's fabulous shopping experience. We'd love to see what you make, why not tag us too @idealhomeuk.

Related: Ideal Home Loves - our pick of the best buys

The public will get a chance to show support for their favourites, Ideal Home HQ included, before the buyers make their decision. The winning product will be revealed during London Craft Week in May. The competition opens today until February 7th

So if you fancy having your creations stocked under the most iconic beamed shopping roof in London, don't forget to hashtag #LibertyOpenCall

#bestofluckfromIdealHome

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Liberty London uses Instagram to discover new design talent | Ideal Home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today London's iconic shopping destination Liberty is launching an online competition, to find a new generation of home design talent Liberty's online 'Open Call' competition is an initiative that encourages UK-based makers to upload a photo of their products to Instagram, using the hashtag #LibertyOpenCall to get noticed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Liberty London created window displays inspired by still life, where four different scenes are created in muted color tones.

In the windows you can find different textures and tones creating a warm sense of luxury and a serene setting.

Photos: Liberty London website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Liberty London 'Still Life' Window Display - Best Window Displays

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Liberty London created window displays inspired by still life, where four different scenes are created in muted color tones. In the windows you can find different textures and tones creating a warm sense of luxury and a serene setting. Photos: Liberty London website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Head to Liberty London this Christmas to see its breathtaking in-store installation - a life-size teal and pink bonsai Christmas tree.
This year's theme, 'The Tree of Liberty', is inspired by the Christmas Liberty print Jeweltopia, with the windows and central-atrium installation celebrating the department store's heritage, and all things fantastical.

The interior of the store is quite spectacular with jewel tones of deep teals and rich pinks. Viewed from every floor and angle is the sprawling - and rather eccentric - 'Tree of Liberty' floating above the central atrium, covered in reindeer moss and cloud-like blossom coloured with natural dye. The incredible installation was hand-carved by artists and created in three sections due to its size.

'It was hand-carved by scenic artists and had to be done in three lengths because it is so tall,' explains Liberty's Visual Concept Team. 'We used reindeer moss, sourced from The New Covent Garden Flower Market, for the blossom because of its cloud-like texture. The deep pink hue is from a natural dye, added to the soil it is grown in.'

You'll see that the store's Christmas windows (which took over a year to plan and eight days to install) also features the sprawling branches of the bonsai tree, with enchanting gifts displayed on bowers of blossom and glistening, mystical gourds decorating the floor.

The festive Jeweltopia print, which has been created by the Liberty Fabrics in-house design team, draws inspiration from an ancient Tree of Life design and features traditional Tree of Life motifs, all whilst offering a glimpse into a curious world that is filled with exotic animals, lush foliage and festive treasures.

Customers can take the Liberty Christmas theme home via an array of limited-edition Jeweltopia printed products in Liberty silk and its signature Tana Lawn Cotton. Adults will love the Liberty London pyjamas, slippers and men's shirts, whilst children can enjoy Christmas stockings and teddy bears in printed silk-like cotton.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
There's the most wonderful teal and pink Christmas tree inside Liberty's

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Head to Liberty London this Christmas to see its breathtaking in-store installation - a life-size teal and pink bonsai Christmas tree. This year's theme, 'The Tree of Liberty', is inspired by the Christmas Liberty print Jeweltopia, with the windows and central-atrium installation celebrating the department store's heritage, and all things fantastical.

# data[].attributes.body
Regent St, Soho, London W1B 5AH