Description
The Bras and the Bees: The Extraordinary Life of BJ Sherriff – First Edition
Title: The Bras & The Bees – The Extraordinary Life of B J Sherriff
Author: FA Notley
Publication Date: 15 April 2019
ISBN: 9781999759834
Availability: Stocks very low – First Edition nearly sold out
About the Book
The Bras and the Bees tells the fascinating story of Brian Sherriff, a man born in the late 1920s who inherited his father’s corset factory and went on to run a bra factory in Cornwall. However, during the recession of the 1970s, he lost everything. Using the boning, net, and fabric from his previous business, Brian and his wife Pat created a completely new kind of beekeeping hood and veil – literally built from the bones of the old enterprise. As a result, they founded BJ Sherriff, an internationally successful beekeeping clothing company, with all garments still produced in Cornwall today.
A Story of Innovation and History
This biography is particularly engaging for beekeepers, but it also appeals to anyone who enjoys stories of ingenuity and perseverance. The narrative covers:
- The early history of Langridge Ltd corset factory in Bristol, dating back to 1816
- The family’s experiences during both World Wars, including Brian’s father making panty-girdles for the WRNS and WAAFs during WWII
- Brian’s childhood during the first nights of the Bristol Blitz, hearing the lions at Bristol Zoo
- His career in corsetry and leadership of a bra factory
- His journey into beekeeping, which transformed his life completely
A Remarkable Personality
What makes Brian Sherriff’s story truly compelling is his extraordinary character:
- In his twenties, he taught himself square dancing from a book and formed “Bryan Sherriff and his Square Dancing Posse,” acting as caller
- He created the famous “Bra-kerchief,” a miniature bra hidden in a handkerchief, which he used as a conversation starter in business meetings
Through triumphs and setbacks, this book shows how one man’s tenacity, humour, and sense of adventure can leave a lasting impact on the world.
Endorsements
- “Even if you’re not a beekeeper, I’m sure you’ll find the story of Brian’s life engaging, harking as it does back to simpler, slower times.” – Bill Turnbull, journalist and presenter
- “Who can resist the story of the man who invented the bra-kerchief? Beekeeping has always attracted interesting characters from all walks of life and Brian Sherriff is certainly one of that club.” – Martha Kearney, journalist and broadcaster
- “Brian and Pat Sherriff truly changed my world and the world of beekeepers everywhere. This is Brian’s story.” – Kim Flottum, editor of Bee Culture Magazine
Where to Buy
Also available from www.northernbeebooks.co.uk
