Les Ephgrave is considered one of the master craftsman of the post war era. Les (also known known as Lou to his closest friends), built his last frame circa 1968. He worked for Harry Resch, then on to Claud Butler's. He went on his own in 1948. His broither Norman joined him. When orders were low, they produced steel shop fittings, shelving etc., which is where the trade-mark 'lollypops' and bars on the seat stay caps came from. These were the waste/cut-outs from that shelving production.
    Len Phipps, the well known lug cutter, learned from Lou Ephgrave during the 1960s. Len would visit the Ephgrave frame building shop in Clapton, London on his Saturday's off to watch the 'master' at work. Len reports that Lou Ephgrave DID cut all the Ephgrave frame set lugs himself.
   Les died in 1969 of cancer. His brother eventually
emigrated to Australia and he died there in 1980.