Lefever, Alexander & Co.

Old Street, City Road, London; wholesale cabinet makers, looking glass manufacturers and upholsterers (fl.1871-86)

Recorded in Post Office Directory 1871 at 6 & 7 Wittam’s Buildings, Old Street Road and at 10 Charles Square, Hoxton. The firm was listed The Furniture Gazette, 1876, at 227 & 229 Old Street, City Road and by the publication of The Furniture Gazette, 1877, had expanded to 231 Old Street and at these addresses was listed in The Furniture Gazette: Classified List of the Furniture, Upholstery, and Allied Trades (1886). 

In 1884 George Lefevre took his brother, Alexander Lefever, to court. He alleged that Alexander had opened another shop at 226 Old Street, in addition to his existing premises at 227 & 229 Old Street, and signage mispresented that this was a branch of George’s business, thus deceiving the public. Alexander gave evidence to the effect that he had been in business in the street for over 30 years and had indeed previously employed George. George sought an injunction forbidding Alexander from misrepresentation at 226 Old Street.

Mr Justice Kay delivered lengthy judgement having observed ‘keen rivalry’ between the parties, and granted an injunction substantially in line with the motion, i.e., restraining any misrepresentation of 226 Old Street as George’s shop or from exhibiting or publishing anything which could deceive the public [The Furniture Gazette, 21 June 1884].