Designer. Businessman. Engineer. He was the husband of fashion designer Laura Ashley. The two met in a youth club, dated for several years, then married in 1949. Laura was interested in fashion design, so with the help of Bernard, they set up a smal sewing factory in Wales. Both knew every worker by name and often said they were "family." The business was a success in the U.K. and soon included a line of bedding. Sir Bernard thought the business could do well in the United States, but the clothing did not do well. The bedding remained a stable seller however.
In September 1985 while the two were visiting the home of one of their daughters, Laurea fell down a flight of stairs. Sir Bernard rushed her to the hospital, but despite the doctors best efforts, she died 10 days later.
Sit Bernard did not re-marry, but continued to work within the Laura Ashley Business, including fashion, bedding and country homes that served as resorts. Sir Bernard died died of cancer at his home on Feb. 14, 2009.
In September 1985 while the two were visiting the home of one of their daughters, Laurea fell down a flight of stairs. Sir Bernard rushed her to the hospital, but despite the doctors best efforts, she died 10 days later.
Sit Bernard did not re-marry, but continued to work within the Laura Ashley Business, including fashion, bedding and country homes that served as resorts. Sir Bernard died died of cancer at his home on Feb. 14, 2009.
Designer. Businessman. Engineer. He was the husband of fashion designer Laura Ashley. The two met in a youth club, dated for several years, then married in 1949. Laura was interested in fashion design, so with the help of Bernard, they set up a smal sewing factory in Wales. Both knew every worker by name and often said they were "family." The business was a success in the U.K. and soon included a line of bedding. Sir Bernard thought the business could do well in the United States, but the clothing did not do well. The bedding remained a stable seller however.
In September 1985 while the two were visiting the home of one of their daughters, Laurea fell down a flight of stairs. Sir Bernard rushed her to the hospital, but despite the doctors best efforts, she died 10 days later.
Sit Bernard did not re-marry, but continued to work within the Laura Ashley Business, including fashion, bedding and country homes that served as resorts. Sir Bernard died died of cancer at his home on Feb. 14, 2009.
In September 1985 while the two were visiting the home of one of their daughters, Laurea fell down a flight of stairs. Sir Bernard rushed her to the hospital, but despite the doctors best efforts, she died 10 days later.
Sit Bernard did not re-marry, but continued to work within the Laura Ashley Business, including fashion, bedding and country homes that served as resorts. Sir Bernard died died of cancer at his home on Feb. 14, 2009.
Gravesite Details
This man was a gient in the UK fashion world.
