We've been a family-run business for 75 years, so we know what’s important to our customers – stylish, beautifully crafted furniture that really makes a house a home.
 
Photos of Ted Cooke on board HMS Diadem
Edward Cooke, fondly known as Ted, started out in business for himself in November 1946. Before the second world war young Ted Cooke trained as a tool setter working for Dunlop in Erdington.
During his service with the Royal Navy that Ted met his wife, Alicia, on a call to the docks at Newcastle-On-Tyne. Alicia Finlay lived nearby and the pair met at a dance.
The next chapter begins. Photo of Jockey Road
After leaving the Royal Navy in 1946 Ted Cooke received £75 demob money, cash he intended to use to start up his own business rather than to go back being a tool setter permanently.
By the late 1950’s Ted abandoned the library business to concentrate on haberdashery and other household goods.
Photo of Ted, Alicia & Graham Cooke outside Cooke and Son
Photo of Ted & Graham in Cooke & Son Office
Ted’s son, Graham, was born in 1952. He joined his father, in 1972, after he had attended Carnegie college, Leeds. Both sold to customers, delivered furniture and fitted carpets.