About the book
The book covers Lewis Leathers' first 60 years and the result is this stunning 240 page, hardback volume, printed in Japan on the latest equipment at 283 lines per inch, making it one of the highest resolution books in the world.
Lewis Leathers was founded in 1892 making this its 125 year, the company began its journey in London's Great Portland Street, selling readytowear men's clothing. Post WW1 it gravitated towards warm clothing for the Aviators and Motorists who frequented the street in its burgeoning new role as a centre of the London motor car trade. WW2 saw the company supplying the RAF and, in the absence of civilian pilots, concentrated on clothing for motorcyclists. Post WW2 the company increasingly catered to their twowheeled clients and became known as the most famous motorcycle clothing brand in the UK, if not the world.
The mid 50's sawed the company change tack and target the younger set of Ton Up Boys who went on to become the Rockers, renowned for their battles with the Mods on the beach fronts of Brighton, Margate and Southend in 1964. During this period adverts were run in the music press such as Jazz News, NME and Melody Maker which prompted music fans and makers to visit the central London store. The connection with music and fashion has continued to date and the brand name has subsequently been seen on road, racetrack, street and stage ever since.
Derek Harris became the 6th owner in 2003 and has spent the past 25 years researching the brand's history and building an archive of vintage products, many of which are featured in this book. Rintaro Tanaka approached Harris about a book five years ago, Tanaka photographed, compiled and edited the book with Harris' research and English text.
Rintaro Tanaka lives in Los Angeles where he is famous for his books on the vintage clothing scene along with his yearly vintage clothing convention Inspiration LA
Editions of Lewis Leathers: Wings, Wheels and Rock 'n' Roll
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781527209817
Read an Excerpt
The book covers Lewis Leathers' first 60 years and the result is this stunning 240 page, hardback volume, printed in Japan on the latest equipment at 283 lines per inch, making it one of the highest resolution books in the world.
Lewis Leathers was founded in 1892 making this its 125 year, the company began its journey in London's Great Portland Street, selling readytowear men's clothing. Post WW1 it gravitated towards warm clothing for the Aviators and Motorists who frequented the street in its burgeoning new role as a centre of the London motor car trade. WW2 saw the company supplying the RAF and, in the absence of civilian pilots, concentrated on clothing for motorcyclists. Post WW2 the company increasingly catered to their twowheeled clients and became known as the most famous motorcycle clothing brand in the UK, if not the world.
The mid 50's sawed the company change tack and target the younger set of Ton Up Boys who went on to become the Rockers, renowned for their battles with the Mods on the beach fronts of Brighton, Margate and Southend in 1964. During this period adverts were run in the music press such as Jazz News, NME and Melody Maker which prompted music fans and makers to visit the central London store. The connection with music and fashion has continued to date and the brand name has subsequently been seen on road, racetrack, street and stage ever since.
Derek Harris became the 6th owner in 2003 and has spent the past 25 years researching the brand's history and building an archive of vintage products, many of which are featured in this book. Rintaro Tanaka approached Harris about a book five years ago, Tanaka photographed, compiled and edited the book with Harris' research and English text.
Rintaro Tanaka lives in Los Angeles where he is famous for his books on the vintage clothing scene along with his yearly vintage clothing convention Inspiration LA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lewis Leathers: Wings, Wheels and Rock 'n' Roll about?
The book covers Lewis Leathers' first 60 years and the result is this stunning 240 page, hardback volume, printed in Japan on the latest equipment at 283 lines per inch, making it one of the highest resolution books in the world.
Lewis Leathers was founded in 1892 making this its 125 year, the company began its journey in London's Great Portland Street, selling readytowear men's clothing. Post WW1 it gravitated towards warm clothing for the Aviators and Motorists who frequented the street in its burgeoning new role as a centre of the London motor car trade. WW2 saw the company supplying the RAF and, in the absence of civilian pilots, concentrated on clothing for motorcyclists. Post WW2 the company increasingly catered to their twowheeled clients and became known as the most famous motorcycle clothing brand in the UK, if not the world.
The mid 50's sawed the company change tack and target the younger set of Ton Up Boys who went on to become the Rockers, renowned for their battles with the Mods on the beach fronts of Brighton, Margate and Southend in 1964. During this period adverts were run in the music press such as Jazz News, NME and Melody Maker which prompted music fans and makers to visit the central London store. The connection with music and fashion has continued to date and the brand name has subsequently been seen on road, racetrack, street and stage ever since.
Derek Harris became the 6th owner in 2003 and has spent the past 25 years researching the brand's history and building an archive of vintage products, many of which are featured in this book. Rintaro Tanaka approached Harris about a book five years ago, Tanaka photographed, compiled and edited the book with Harris' research and English text.
Rintaro Tanaka lives in Los Angeles where he is famous for his books on the vintage clothing scene along with his yearly vintage clothing convention Inspiration LA
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lewis Leathers: Wings, Wheels and Rock 'n' Roll?
Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure > Transport: general interest > Road and motor vehicles: general interest > Motorcycles: general interest
Where can I read a sample of Lewis Leathers: Wings, Wheels and Rock 'n' Roll?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781527209817
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lewis Leathers: Wings, Wheels and Rock 'n' Roll?
Rin Tanaka,Derek Harris
Who is the Publisher of the book Lewis Leathers: Wings, Wheels and Rock 'n' Roll?
Lewis Leathers Ltd.
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Lewis Leathers: Wings, Wheels and Rock 'n' Roll is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781527209817)