We posted a video to Instagram last Summer featuring a Lewis Henry 30s-style dusty pink crochet skirt set.
At the time, It was a new piece at our studio and it had not yet been dated and inventoried. It was on the 1950s "waiting area" rack at the time. Someone commented on our video that they thought it seemed very 1930s and not at all 1950s, which we had to agree with, but we knew that it wasn't as old as 1930s from the label (the font looked midcentury, it had a “dry clean only” instruction and a 100% viscose fibre declaration). The label seemed to suggest it had to at least be 1950s or later. So, we decided to dig more into it (which we would have done anyway at a later date before it being moved to inventory) and soon realized that it was a "1970s does 1930s" piece.
With such a garment, we wondered what era we should place it into within our collection. Would 1930s or 1970s make more sense?
Rachel Noar @VintageCoachie on Instagram sent us some images she sourced from the Newspapers.com archive. All ads for Lewis Henry. Check them out below!
“Is There Anything Sadder Than a Largish Lady Exchanging a Smallish Catsuit”- Nov 19th 1967.
This article is about husband’s ordering crochet Lewis Henry catsuits for their wives. The men gave out-of-date measurements which resulted in the wives coming in to return the catsuits. The ad is advising to give the most up to date measurements when ordering! They sold for £15 GBP at the time (the equivalent of £290 today).
Accompanied by a photo taken by Ronald Falloon.
“Be Trendy, Not Freaky”- Feb 25th 1968.
This article is about how to avoid wearing a wedding dress which will surely go out of fashion and look ‘freaky’ in years to come. A Lewis Henry maxi length crochet dress was the recommendation, which could be shortened into a mini after the wedding.
Accompanied by a drawing by Hilda Offen.
“Femline, What a Cutie in Couture”- Jul 15th 1971 (Lancashire Evening Telegraph).
This is an article about the fusion of crochet, couture and DIY!
Lewis Henry is described as a London fashion house that specializes in hand made garments for people who can afford to pay top prices for the personal touch. The store was selling kits to make your own crochet garments at home for those who couldn’t afford the ready made pieces.
“Hooked on Crochet”- May 22nd 1972.
This article again promotes the crochet kits from Lewis Henry. It mentions that a made-up dress would cost £31 GBP at the time (looks like they doubled their prices since 1967!), but the kit only cost £5.25.
It also states that Lewis Henry has been producing crochet work for the stars and aristocracy for 20 years (going back to the 50s- hence the font on the label) and started the kits 12 months previous in 1971.
Accompanied by photos of Carole Redhead modelling, taken by John Fowler.
Thanks to Rachel for sending these in- now we know to look out for more great Lewis Henry pieces!