Lawsons: The Story of a Family Business Since 1904

One of the best-known names in independent local retail, Lawsons is unusual in that, to date, the company has involved four generations of the Lawson family. It has also been situated in at least four different locations across Plymouth city centre, and four other locations across South Devon.

Founded in 1904, Lawsons has re-invented itself time and again to meet the challenges posed by changes in the way we live. The Lawsons story reflects the wider world in the last century, making it such a compelling tale of local history that it simply had to be written down.

So expert local historian Chris Robinson sat down with the Lawson family and long-serving staff to find out the whole story. Then he wrote Lawsons: The Story of a Family Business Since 1904.

The book was launched on Friday evening at Waterstones, New George Street - just yards from the Lawsons store that was rebuilt following bombing in World War II. In front of one of Waterstones largest audiences, comprising invited guests including family and friends, current and former staff, and local business owners who have worked alongside Lawsons over the years, Chris gave insights into his research and recollections of his conversations with the many contributors, with John and Liz Lawson (third- and fourth-generation Managing Directors respectively) adding further to these memories of their family business.

Chris Robinson's captivating writing reveals all of the highs and lows throughout the years, and the book includes photographs and Lawsons adverts from as far back as the turn of the last century. From the earliest years, through wartime devastation and rebuilding, and to growing the business beyond and within Plymouth, no detail is missed in this fascinating account.

A great Christmas gift for local history lovers - available from Lawsons stores or the website, priced £7.99.