Family joins a celebration of tapestry works fit for for a First Lady

Dec 2 2008 by David Charters, Liverpool Daily Post

Family joins a celebration of tapestry works fit for for a First Lady

THE Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead celebrated its 80th anniversary yesterday by opening an exhibition dedicated to the town’s famous Arthur H Lee and Sons tapestry works.

Members of the family and friends viewed the displays, which told the story of how a factory in the North End of Birkenhead made exquisite tapestries and embroideries as furnishings and wall covers.

It ran from 1908 until 1970, employing about 200 people at its peak. Their work was found in palaces, chanceries, boardrooms, embassies and the Royal carriages of trains.

One of the most famous customers was Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of President John Kennedy.

By 1970, there was a demand for mass- produced work and the family closed the factory rather than compromise their standards and reputation.

However, by then every member of staff had been found another job. This was in keeping with the Lee ethos that everyone should be treated with respect.

The company also ran a holiday camp for the children of staff in Dyserth, North Wales.

Among those at the ceremony was Betty Lee, the 89-year-old widow of Michael, whose grandfather Arthur, started the business.

The exhibition runs until March.