Introduction

Welcome to the web site dedicated to the memory of James William Lovegrove also known by his adopted Muslim name Habibullah Lovegrove (Habibullah -- the beloved one of God).

J. W. Lovegrove was a Master Tailor living and working in London between the 1890s and 1930s, and an active member of the Woking Muslim Mission. He converted to Islam and wrote the book "What is Islam?"

J. W. Lovegrove is also mentioned in the book "Tarbiatul Ushaq" ("The Training of Divine Lovers"), by Syed Mohammad Zauqi Shah. The book relates how he once saw the 13th Century poet and mystic Mawlana Rumi in a dream in which the poet told him to visit the mosque. Lovegrove undestood the meaning and became a Muslim.

James William Lovegrove

Born: Grove, Berkshire, 8th July 1867
Late of 22, Longlands Road, Sidcup, Kent. Master Tailor formerly of 175 , Piccadilly, 4, Cork Street, and Jermyne Street, London, and in Paris, France and Washington USA.
Died: Sidcup, 19th December 1940
Buried: Wantage Cemetery, Berkshire

He began work as a cutter in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, and moved to Battersea after his marriage to Elizabeth Foster in 1892. He was the first President of the Tailors and Cutters Guild. He lived for a time at 76, Bolinbroke Grove, Wandsworth Common, and was the Chief Petitioner of the Allotment Act of 1912. After converting to Islam he became the Secretary of the British Muslim Society.

He designed and made coats, overcoats, jackets, hats, and other garments for the Edwardian motorists ("Motor Clothing" as it was then known). His designs were featured in "Motoring Illustrated" in 1902/03 and copies of which can be found at the Beaulieu Motor Museum in the New Forest, Hampshire. (click the image to the right for full size image)

See J. W. Lovegrove on film

The following clips from the Brtish Pathe site show Habibullah Lovegrove attending various events at the Woking Mosque during the 1920s and '30s.

THE BEGUM OF BHOPAL (aka The Bogum of Bhotal) - India's 67 year old only woman ruler - strictly veiled - attends service at the Mosque
Mr. Lovegrove is the first person to be seen in the film, crossing the picture from right to left ahead of the main group.
File: Windows Media .wmv
Size: 5.25 MB

THE PROBLEM OF TURKEY -
Mohamed Ali - Head of Indian Khilafat Delegation voice Muslim point of view at big meeting at the Mosque.
Mr. Lovegrove can be seen exiting the Mosque among the group of gentlemen.
File: Windows Media .wmv
Size: 2.8 MB

All of the Microsoft players can be downloaded from: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/players.asp