BORN AT DAWN MUSE: PATTIE BOYD

March 22, 2018 1 Comment

BORN AT DAWN MUSE: PATTIE BOYD

Our #BORNATDAWNMUSE this week is model and photographer Pattie Boyd. She was born in 1944 in Taunton to father Colin and mother Diana. The family lived in Scotland, England and Kenya after her father’s discharge from the RAF and Pattie was well-educated.

She moved to London in 1962, aged 18, and worked in Elizabeth Arden’s salon before modelling in London, New York and Paris. She was photographed by David Bailey and Terence Donovan and featured on the cover of Vogue, as well as penning a column for 16 Magazine.

Aged 19, she was cast in the Beatles’ 1964 film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and met George Harrison; life would never be the same again. He pursued her ardently and they began dating, before marrying in 1966.

Pattie has influenced many of the greatest songs ever made. George wrote ‘Something’ about her, immortalising their relationship forever and Eric Clapton (George’s friend) co-wrote ‘Layla’ about his unrequited love for her. He pursued her passionately, creating music’s most complex love triangle. 

Despite leading an exceptional life, Pattie has experienced sadness. She divorced George in 1977, based largely on his infidelities. She married Eric in 1979, but divorced him in 1989 following years of alcoholism and numerous affairs.

Pattie is the ultimate rock star muse, personifying 1960s London with her unique Mod style. She favoured A-line dresses and mini skirts in bold colours and geometric patterns. Kittenish flicks of black eyeliner accentuated her striking eyes. She then moved to a more bohemian aesthetic and was the main muse to Ossie Clark who nicknamed many of his bias-cut gowns “Pattie.”

Today, aged 73, she is an established photographer. Her award-winning shots of George, Eric and other musician friends have exhibited worldwide. In 2007 she published her autobiography ‘Wonderful Tonight’ and married her partner of 25 years, Rod Weston, in 2015.

Pattie’s story is the stuff of rock ’n’ roll dreams. A successful model and innovator, she entranced two rock legends and epitomised Britain’s most defining decade. Her photography captures the intimate moments of our most famous musicians - all seen through the eye of a muse.

 




1 Response

Roy Greenbrook
Roy Greenbrook

March 23, 2018

Another comprehensive piece Nicola. Really enjoyable reading.

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