Liberty

founded by

Arthur Lasenby

belongs to

BlueGem Capital Partners LLP

about

Since 1875, Liberty has been synonymous with luxury and great design. Arthur 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 a name above the door, it’s Arthur Liberty’s legacy, which stands for integrity, value, quality and above all beautifully designed product. This vision and spirit continues today within the iconic Tudor building.

The shop opened in 1875 selling ornaments, fabric and objets d'art from Japan and the East. Within eighteen months Arthur Liberty had acquired the second half of 218 Regent Street. As the business grew, neighbouring properties were bought and added.

In 1885, 142-144 Regent Street was acquired and housed the ever-increasing demand for carpets and furniture. The basement was called the Eastern Bazaar, and was home to all things described as "decorative furnishing objects". He named the property Chesham House after the place in which he grew up. The store became the most fashionable place to shop in London and iconic Liberty fabrics were used for both clothing and furnishings. Its clientele was exotic and included famous members of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

But, while Art Nouveau and, in fashion, the so-called aesthetic movement was becoming more and more widespread, the store started proposing fabrics of its own production, the Liberty Art Fabrics collections, which met with huge success.

In 1884 Liberty introduced the costume department into the Regent Street store, under the directorship of Edward William Godwin (1833–86). Godwin was a distinguished architect who believed in all aspects of art. He was a founder member of the Costume Society in 1882. His vision mirrored that of Arthur Liberty and they created in-house apparel to challenge the fashions of Paris.

Liberty, in the 1950s, continued its tradition for fashionable and eclectic design. All departments in the shop had a collection of both contemporary and traditional designs. New up and coming designers were promoted and often included those still reflecting the Liberty passion for handcrafted work.

The 1960s brought about the passion for fashion. Extravagance and luxury were fundamental in the look for both men and women and Eastern influences once again were the inspiration for society. Art Nouveau became fashionable again and Liberty adapted the furnishing designs from its archive.

Through the decades Liberty fabrics fascinated the big names of French fashion, from Poiret to Yves Saint-Laurent and Cacharel who, across the 1960s-80s, chose Liberty flowered printed cottons for prêt-à-porter though for a younger generation.

Today Liberty is a leading destination store in London, a wonderful emporium where the latest fashions sit alongside design classics.

The shop sells fashions, cosmetics, accessories, gifts etc. in addition to its homewares and furniture. On July 18, 2008, Liberty launched a transactional website, selling a wide selection of products worldwide.

In 2009 Liberty generated group revenues of £60m and had 323 employees.

On 28 June 2010 BlueGem completed its public takeover of Liberty PLC.