In 2006, Brian Lishak, Managing Director of Richard Anderson Ltd. will celebrate his 50th year working on The Row. To Brian, it seems just yesterday that a sixteen year old slip of a lad nervously made his way along a bomb damaged but hallowed Savile Row and through the portals of its largest and most renowned bespoke tailors, to begin a career that has spanned 50 glorious years.
"I discovered another world of craft and skill, handed down from one generation to another with pride and love. I was enraptured and knew this was to be my life. Soon I was to begin serving Royalty, peers of the realm, kings of industry, people of note from all walks of life from countries all over the world, and I still do today. It was and still is fascinating, I love every minute and am grateful to every one of those customers who have provided me with so much pleasure, many of whom I consider personal friends." (Brian Lishak)
Brian has witnessed many changes on the Row over the years; the fifty or more original tailoring establishments are now but a handful. Having been run by artisans and master craftsmen who were oblivious to new business practices and reformed social requirements, they gradually disappeared.
In 2001 Brian Lishak, then Managing Director of H. Huntsman and Sons and colleague Richard Anderson, Production Director of the same firm, decided that it was time to instigate a new breed of Savile Row tailor at No. 13. They set out to promote the skills that they had learnt, offering the highest quality of traditional tailoring possible with a readiness to embrace the future. Whilst respecting the past, it is their visionary drive and determination that enabled Richard Anderson Ltd. to succeed where so many others had failed.
The showroom at No.13 has a light, upbeat atmosphere that is more welcoming than the older, more traditional tailors. The only firm with a cutting area in their showroom and tailors and cutters working on site, one can witness the level of craftsmanship put into building truly bespoke suits, with quality unmatched on The Row.
With their convivial approach, quarterly trips to visit their US customers and enthusiasm for the future, Brian and Richard have continued to service their loyal customers and at the same time have attracted a new generation to share the delights of bespoke tailoring. Cont. overleaf &.