Lewis's Department Store

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Sun 08 Jul, 2012 10:22 pm

Lewis's

Caron · Post by **Caron** » Sun 08 Jul, 2012 10:35 pm

When my sister and I were kids we'd say that out of all of the shops in town, Lewis's would be the one we'd be happy to get accidently locked into. We reckoned we could live there. I look at the pics on this thread and I can't help but think how beautiful the interior was. The staircase pic reminds me of The Titanic. Beautiful.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Sun 08 Jul, 2012 11:01 pm

On page 6 I posted a photo of a gorgeous old lighting feature that I photographed on May 14 2005 in the then getting ready to be redeveloped old Lewis's building. I thought it might be time I posted the only other photo that I took there then (I still think I took more than 2 but that's all I have!). This photo shows the elegant stairs leading from the basement to the street level section near doors on New Briggate. That street level and above there is now Clas Ohlson's but I wonder if the stairs may still be there but hidden, or long gone as I suspect may be the case. Edit later. Apologies. I had not realised a photo of this staircase has already been posted by Blakey on 18-May-2008 13:44:03 in page 5.

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Sun 08 Jul, 2012 11:02 pm

Caron wrote: When my sister and I were kids we'd say that out of all of the shops in town, Lewis's would be the one we'd be happy to get accidently locked into. We reckoned we could live there. I look at the pics on this thread and I can't help but think how beautiful the interior was. The staircase pic reminds me of The Titanic. Beautiful. You and a few other Leeds folk Self and mates worked there late 70's early 80's but never full time. Sometimes out of hours, dream job.There was always that nagging doubt that security might have released 2 (house-trained) silent, merciless Rottweilers on.. [edit]Leo - I think they fully gutted the place.Shame - construction of Lewis's included:".......Inside the store the decorations were lavish; 10,000 square yards of floor marble and 400 square yards of wall marble were used...."

keyholekate · Post by **keyholekate** » Sun 08 Jul, 2012 11:40 pm

Suvi wrote: I have been told now on several occasions that a Lewis like department store is going to be built either on Kirkgate Market carpark or on the open air part of the market, along with plans to pedestianise the headrow and Eastgatecould be though chinese whispers I heard that its going to be a John Lewis. . I hope so.

Cardiarms · Post by **Cardiarms** » Sun 08 Jul, 2012 11:53 pm

scheme here, been stuttering along for while now.http://www.eastgateleeds.co.uk/The-Scheme.aspx

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Mon 09 Jul, 2012 9:33 am

Few years back at soiree, representatives of the great and good described how the Headrow + Eastgate would be like La Rambla in Barcelona...

ArmleyLass47 · Post by **ArmleyLass47** » Mon 09 Jul, 2012 10:22 am

Just found the thread about Lewis's. Definitely can agree with some of the comments. You did feel posh if you went into Lewis's. I did also buy the broken biscuits and hoped you got one of the chocolate ones in the bag. Also I remember my older cousin taking me and my sister to see Santa Claus. The best year was when they had a kind of sleigh ride and the sides of the windows had a moving snow and animal scene. That was magical to a child when we didnt have much. Especially when Santa was a 'real' person. So probably about 1956. Ahhh memories arn't they great.

BLAKEY · Post by **BLAKEY** » Mon 09 Jul, 2012 10:34 am

Jogon wrote: Lewis's What an unusual aspect and a lovely view - Quarry Hill Flats can even be seen clearly in the far distance. Transport buffs will immediately spot the West Yorkshire Bristol L single decker in the tasteful cream and maroon "dual purpose" livery.This picture seems maybe to be taken from the upper floors of the Leeds and Holbeck Building Society (corner of Albion Street/Headrow) - is this the case please do we know ??

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Mon 09 Jul, 2012 11:38 am

Blakey(this'll be right up yr street )I don't know anything about the photo, but agree your guessed location. The little turret right became the 1970's AA shop in my time, now pc world + residential tower over.Photo 1/2 way down this Bus flickr group - philld kindly sent me the linkhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/leedscitytransport/pool/these are good not just for the late 60's half cab buses but also for general views like the one you mention.