Cannock and District Soroptimists were treated to a very entertaining talk by Jo Golby entitled “The Laura Ashley Story.” The evening was chaired by Club President Carole Holdcroft.
Many of us may remember a time when our dress may have matched our wallpaper, which may have matched our cushions and lampshades! This was undoubtedly the influence and work of the talented Laura Ashley.
Jo Golby’s talk was lively and passionate; Laura Ashley had been her hero for as long as she could remember. She related an amusing story about meeting Laura when she was a child and asking for her autograph. Jo’s talk was illustrated throughout with photographs and vintage Laura Ashley garments, Jo herself wore a lovely burgundy pinafore dress. The talk was detailed and well researched, presented in an amusing style.
Laura Ashley became famous and popular for her distinctive style: pintucks, flowers, high collars and frills were familiar features of her clothing but she also produced fabrics, wallpaper and soft furnishings. She was heavily influenced by Edwardian and Victorian fashion but she had the ability to update those styles for a modern look, whilst taking into account current crazes or trends such as popular TV programmes.
Laura was born in Dowlais, Wales in 1925. Growing up, she spent time in Wales with her grandmother and in London with her Aunt. Both women and locations were thought to have influenced her. During WW11 she was a WREN and met her husband Bernard Ashley, marrying in 1949. Business success did not come overnight. The young Ashley family, living then in London, struggled to make ends meet. Her first successful venture was making headscarves similar to that worn by Audrey Hepburn. The “Laura Ashley” company was established and moved to Wales in 1955. The first factory was opened in Carno and the first shop was opened in Machynlleth. The company expanded rapidly and made the family very wealthy. Laura Ashley shops were opened all over the world. The factory became an important part of the community and later all four of their children worked within the company.
Sadly, Laura died in 1985 in a tragic accident at her daughter’s home aged 60. She always said that the money was not as important as the crafting skills and sense of community. Her real passion had always been her family and home.