Adlib Internet Server 5

Creator

M Challah Export Biography Biography
M Challah Export was established In 1945 by Mr Mounir Challah (also known as Mo or Monty). Mo was sent from Beirut to Manchester by his father in order to establish contacts with Manchester cotton and Yorkshire wool traders. Once this was achieved, Mo's intention was to return to Beirut and complete a law degree. However, he never left Manchester, instead setting up an office on Princess Street trading under the name M Challah Export. He began exporting cotton and poplin cloth with businesses established by his cousins in British West Africa, as well as with contacts in Lebanon, Syria and Argentina. This trade slowed following the independence of Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana in the 1960s. M Challah Export merged with Albert Jones to form Albert Jones (Textiles) Ltd in 1963.

Scope and Content
Large bundle of correspondence, the majority handwritten in Arabic with textile samples attached, sent to M Challah Export by A.R. Jamaleddine in Lagos; Challah Freres in Beirut; Akkad & Tabbah in Damascus; Rafat Haffar in Damascus and Naamani Brothers Inc. in New York. The bundle also includes correspondence between M Challah Export and various textile merchants/manufacturers and haulage companies in the UK concerning textile samples and distribution. Also included is correspondence relating to the potential export of cement to Bahrain and a sample paper bolt end design featuring a deer motif. The bundle has been split across 12 folders due to the amount of correspondence and bulk of the textile samples.
Physical description
The condition of the material ranges from fair to poor with many items having curling edges and creasing where originally folded. Staples and pins have been removed where possible and replaced with brass paperclips. Some marks on items where rusty staples have been removed. Textile samples are present which require careful handling.
Language
Arabic, English
Level of description
ITEM
Repository name
Science and Industry Museum
Conditions governing access
Restricted access. A Data Protection form must be signed to access this material.
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions.