In a fast changing world it is comforting to know some things stand the test of time and don’t change.
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Friendly service, quality products and affordability are the ingredients that the family behind Levers Art Supplies and Picture Framing believe has helped the business survive almost 65 years.
The first Levers was opened in 1955 by William Lever in Auburn Street, Wollongong.
Mr Lever had arrived in Australia in 1953 and came to work at the steelworks.
But coming from a family with a tradition in the art world that dates back centuries in Holland it was not too long until he was lured back into what he loved.
It started as a small shop with frames and prints hanging around the wall. It also sold art, craft and drafting materials, according to his son Bill Lever, 83.
“It became the biggest art materials supplier on the South Coast,” Bill said.
Granddaughter Renee Clegg said the Lever family’s involvement in picture framing went back to the 1600’s in Holland “One of my ancestors decorated the Royal Dutch Coach. And some of our frames would probably be in galleries overseas”.
The Wollongong business continued to make traditional ornamental corner frames until recently.They were originally made by William Lever who was also a prolific artist of mostly landscapes in oils and pastels. Many were exhibited in a Pitt Street gallery.
Mrs Clegg said her mother Ann Lever and her father’s two sisters Hennie Vanderburg and Carla Starzynski are still involved in the business. And Hennie made the traditional frames until recently. She still does restoration.
Bill Lever’s four brothers also worked in the business. Many customers still recall John Lever.
Mr Lever’s niece Cheryl Hokin has also worked in the business for a long time.
William Lever died in 1985 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 1983. Bill followed in his father’s footsteps and also worked at the steelworks. He was the purchasing officer and senior processing officer at Lysaghts. He also taught at TAFE and was a musician who played a piano accordion in a band at Port Kembla Leagues Club. He believes perseverance is one of the reasons the business has lasted such a long time.
The family thinks more parking in the area after the completion of recent developments will also help it stay around for years to come. As has its involvement in the community as long supporters of the SES, the annual Light and Hope mental health lunch and the annual Police Ball. It also won a cultural award at Wollongong City Council’s Australia Day Awards in 2013.
Levers has offered art class workshops upstairs at its Flinders Street premises for many years.
Among the students is Anneke Clegg, 4, who has even been known to serve customers
Levers offers discounts to students and a loyal group of professional artists.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
