Leeds Burtons

Montague Burton was just an 18-year-old Jewish refugee from Russia in 1903 when he borrowed £100 from a relative to start his business.  Like a number of Quaker fellow industrialists, he pioneered a welfare system for his workers. By 1950 his factory on Hudson Road, with some 10,000 workers (90% women), was the biggest employer in Leeds and the biggest clothing factory in the world!

This film is an edit of behind the scenes at the factory (focusing on the production of a suit – ending with trying on the suit) from 1950.

Note: This film does not contain any narration.

Footage from: YFA 2931 IDEALS OF INDUSTRY (1950)

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