Englishman George Johnson begins a rope making concern down in the wharfs of New York City, supplying rope and rigging to the many clipper ships in New York Harbor. This business then expanded into providing the "stuffing" for upholstery to local craftsmen. The company soon began to create the horsehair upholstery that was popular during the era. Later, under the partnership Johnson and Faulkner (shortened to JOFA), the company began to import and sell fine decorative fabrics. The line included many famous designs that remain with the company today.
1884
GP & J Baker founded.
Brothers George Percival and James Baker grew up in Constantinople (now Istanbul) where their father ran a trading company dealing primarily in hand-knotted rugs and textiles. The brothers decided to expand into textile production, and set up their own company in London, soon becoming known worldwide for manufacturing fabrics of superb quality.
1888
Arthur H. Lee founded Arthur H. Lee & Company in 1888 in Bolton, Lancashire, England. Known primarily for innovative weaving techniques, the company was begun in response to the distaste of discriminating designers with the products produced during the Industrial Revolution.
1965
Arthur H. Lee & Sons buys JOFA and the name combines Arthur H. Lee & JOFA to form Lee Jofa. The new alliance represented two and a half centuries of textile expertise. The fabrics were then, and are still considered to be, the most luxurious in the world.
1986
Groundworks is acquired by Lee Jofa. Groundworks originated in 1985 as an alternative to the traditional chintzes infiltrating the marketplace. Since its inception, Groundworks has laid a foundation for innovative design and modern styling. Developed for both residential and contract design, Groundworks is the contemporary brand of Lee Jofa. Groundworks represents the best of modern weaves, textures and prints.
1995
Kravet Fabrics purchases Lee Jofa. Kravet is a fourth-generation, privately held family business with headquarters in Bethpage, New York. The company offers the widest range of fabrics in the decorative fabrics industry, with designs that range from traditional to the newest in contemporary colors and patterns. 2012 marks Kravet’s 94th year in business. The company continues to focus its efforts on introductions of designer inspired licensed fabric and trimmings collections as well as new ventures in the furniture division. History of Kravet Inc.[video 3.34]
2001
Kravet Inc. purchases G.P. & J. Baker. GP & J Baker recognized that the U.S. market represented a tremendous opportunity for growth and 1993 chose Lee Jofa’s national network of showrooms and sales representatives as their exclusive distributor. In 2001, Kravet Inc. purchased GP & J Baker and positioned it as a distinctive brand with Lee Jofa.
2001 - 07
Lee Jofa licensing division is launched including The Royal Oak Foundation, Diamond and Baratta, David Easton, Thomas O’Brien, Allegra Hicks, David Hicks, Eric Cohler and Suzanne Rheinstein.
2002
Cole & Son wallpaper distributed through Lee Jofa.
2004
Lee Jofa upholstered furniture is launched.
2005
Holland and Company, MacRae furniture distributed through Lee Jofa.
