Lusty, W. & Sons Ltd. (1872-2025)
Lusty, W. & Sons Ltd.
Bromley by Bow, London; packing case makers, makers of Lloyd Loom furniture, cabinet makers (fl.1872-2025)
The firm was established in 1872 as packing case makers and moved into furniture manufacture in the early decades of the twentieth century. Lloyd Loom woven fabric furniture was invented by an American, Marshall B. Lloyd, in 1917 and he had sold the rights for UK production to Lusty by 1921. The business had a large factory in Bow, with a shop 79 & 81 Paul Street, Old Street and later at Haunch of Venison Yard, Brook Street, Mayfair.
In the 1920s London North East Railway began to use Lloyds Loom furniture in its hotels and its popularity greatly increased, both for interior and exterior use. Lusty also produced solid wood furniture and kitchen cabinets, often packaged in parts for self-assemblage by the customer. The business exhibited at the British Industries Fair, 1922 and subsequent exhibitions in the same decade.
The Graham Gadd Archive (NMS) includes various catalogues and letters/bills for W. Lusty & Sons Ltd. A letter dated 1934 for W. Lusty & Sons Ltd and a colour advertisement, probably dated 1950s, for Lustycraft furniture made by the firm illustrated above. The V&A has an Lloyd Loom armchair, model 464, dated 1930 in its collections (V&A: W.6-1992).
The business of W. Lusty still exists in 2025, click here.
Source: Graham Gadd Archive (NMS).