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Our new fashion exhibition explores the wardrobe of Gloria Levin, one of the most influential women in British business history. The show presents the timeless pieces Hardy and his talented atelier designed for Gloria including exquisitely tailored suits and extravagant dresses spanning four decades of British fashion.

Hardy Amies is one of the most renowned couturiers in the history of British design. Brough up in Essex, he was well known for his menswear tailoring, although he started his fashion career in womenswear. From his early work, Hardy developed a natural propension to tailoring, creating an innovative approach to suits that were both comfortable and flattering for women. Amies is perhaps best known to the British public for his work as official couturier to Queen Elizabeth II.

Gloria Levin was a pivotal figure in the history of British and international business. Born in Egypt, Gloria started being interested in finance at a very young age. She arrived in London in 1961 as a refugee, making the city her home for the rest of her life. In the 1970s, at a time when women accounted for less than one percent of members of company boardrooms, Gloria became the woman with the most directorships in the UK. At her career peak, she was sitting on the board of 29 companies.

The collection was donated to Southend Museums in 2022 and is on public displayed for the very first time.

Beecroft Art Gallery is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 11A.M to 5 P.M.