Fred Burley Founder of the Berlei lingerie company in Australia Date of Birth: 29.05.1885 Country: Australia

1. The Pioneer of Berlei: Frederick Richard Barlee
2. From Warehouse Manager to Entrepreneur
3. The Birth of Berlei
4. The Evolution of Berlei's Design
5. Innovation and Expansion
6. Global Reach and Wartime Production
7. Post-War Expansion and Legacy

The Pioneer of Berlei: Frederick Richard Barlee

Frederick Richard Barlee, the founder of Berlei, Australia's leading lingerie company, was born on May 29, 1885, in Hamilton, Victoria. As the fifth child of an English fishmonger, he spent his early years in Ballarat, where his aunts' corset-making business provided a glimpse into the industry.

From Warehouse Manager to Entrepreneur

Barlee's career began at the age of 13, when he took on a job at a paint store. In 1900, he joined the textile warehouse Brooks, McGlashan & McHarg, where he rose to the position of warehouse manager in 1908. The same year, he married schoolteacher Mabel Jane Mobberley and was transferred to the Sydney branch as a warehouse manager.

The Birth of Berlei

In 1910, Barlee's savings allowed him to purchase a share in E. Gover & Co., a small corset-making firm. Two years later, his brother Arthur joined him, and together they founded Unique Corsets Ltd. In 1913, Barlee traveled to Europe and the United States to study lingerie markets.

The Evolution of Berlei's Design

The company's growth accelerated during World War I, and in 1917, its workforce expanded from 12 to 60. That year, Arthur suggested the French-inspired trade name "Berlei," and in 1919, the firm formally became Berlei Ltd. With the acquisition of a bankrupt company, Berlei expanded its workforce to 280 employees and purchased new machinery for large-scale production.

Innovation and Expansion

In the early 1920s, Barlee commissioned an extensive physiological study to define the main types of female figures. This research led to the development of the "Berlei Indicator," which allowed retailers to accurately fit customers. In the mid-1920s, Berlei opened its new headquarters, "Berlei House," featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a staff theater.

Global Reach and Wartime Production

In the late 1920s, Barlee established a London office and a factory in Buckinghamshire, England. By 1933, he had moved his family to England to oversee the British operations. World War II significantly impacted Berlei's production, with the company manufacturing wartime items for women in the military.

Post-War Expansion and Legacy

In 1947, Barlee returned to Australia and gradually withdrew from active management. Post-war, Berlei continued to grow, with sales exceeding £1 million in Australia alone by 1950. Both Fred and Arthur were dedicated to community service and held high positions in Rotary International. Fred Barlee died in 1954 at the age of 68. Today, Berlei remains a renowned lingerie brand, known for its innovative designs and commitment to meeting women's needs.