Many authors are specifically remembered for one beloved book. L P Hartley is recalled with a single phrase: “The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.” It has achieved the status of a British proverb.

Laura Ashley is celebrating its 60th birthday by looking back to the 1970s. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Patterns, florals and faux Victoriana are big again, says Trish Lorenz

Monarch takes flight

Laura Ashley has blamed the cold weather in March and April for weak fashion sales, which took the shine off a healthy performance from its home furnishings.

Alice Jones' Arts Diary

The prize-winning poet and dramatist has written her first novel. She tells Suzi Feay how it recalls her own journey south

Retailer Laura Ashley has mounted a vigorous defence of its decision to ask suppliers for price reductions, as strong sales of home furnishings produced a leap in annual profits.

Spring florals are given a dark edge this season with an inky palette and a grown-up flavour

Laura Ashley has cemented its status as one of the high street's best performers with a leap in sales ahead of the crucial Christmas period.

Keep the kids warm as the mercury drops this winter with 10 cosy, cute, and stylish jackets

Keep your little ones warm and cosy this winter with one of the wooliest, snuggliest jumpers around

Laura Ashley, the fashion-to-home furnishings chain, has shrugged off the consumer downturn and soggy April to deliver a strong rise in sales over the past 18 weeks.

Laura Ashley unveiled plans to open a boutique hotel in Hertfordshire yesterday as it posted a fall in full-year profits.

They say you should never come back...

So they do. But Mr Cheong has actually hardly been away. He's been serving Laura Ashley as president for the last few years.