´óÏó´«Ã½

Burtons Demob Suit

Contributed by Leeds Museums and Galleries

A demob suit for men leaving the forces in 1946, made by Burtons. © Leeds Museums & Galleries

Before the Second World War Burtons alone clothed 25 % of the male population in BritainAt the end of the Second World War, all servicemen returning home were issued with a set of civilian clothing, including a three piece suit. Many of the suits were made by the Leeds firm of Burtons. This was founded at the start of the 20th century by a Lithuanian Russian migrant Jew, Montague Burton (1885-1952), who initially established shops selling bespoke and ready-to-wear suits in Sheffield and Mansfield. As the business expanded Leeds became the manufacturing centre for the company. Montague Burton was knighted for services to industry in 1931, going on to endow chairs at several universities, including Leeds.
During the Second World War Burton's firm made a quarter of all British military uniforms. After the war Burtons continued as a successful business selling men's suits and clothing.

Comments are closed for this object

Comments

  • 1 comment
  • 1. At 08:50 on 19 August 2010, Ella Sharp wrote:

    I'm about to embark on making a Demob suit - scary I know! I'm trying to access the Burton archives (they must be somewhere - not had a lot of joy with the Arcadia - but I am undoubtedly looking in the wrong place) does anyone have any blocks or patterns from the period?
    Many thanks
    Ella

Share this link:

Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ or the British Museum. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.

About this object

Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline

Location
Culture
Period
Theme
Size
Colour
Material

View more objects from people in Leeds.

Find out more

Podcast

´óÏó´«Ã½ iD

´óÏó´«Ã½ navigation

´óÏó´«Ã½ © 2014 The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.