Mary Quant celebrated with mural on London’s King’s Road
Last week saw the unveiling of a 40ft mural celebrating the cultural legacy of Chelsea icon Dame Mary Quant, at 31 Kings Road – a stone’s throw from her first Bazaar store which opened at number 138a in 1955.
Commissioned by London landlord Cadogan, it’s been created by renowned typographic artist Alan Kitching, drawing inspiration from Quant’s witty declaration, "Fashion is not frivolous, it is part of being alive today."
"Mary Quant's boldness and brilliance, and our shared love of bright print, truly brought the King’s Road to life," Kitching said.
Heather Tilbury Phillips, former Director of Mary Quant, said: "Mary often avoided personal attention, but loved seeing her name in lights. This mural is a perfect tribute to her incredible contribution to global fashion and huge impact on London’s cultural scene."
Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, added: "Dame Mary Quant's legacy revolutionised global fashion and cemented Chelsea’s place at the heart of it. Her words perfectly capture the vibrant spirit of the King’s Road today."
Mary Quant helped to revolutionise women’s fashion and define the ‘Swinging Sixties’, largely credited with popularising hot pants and the mini skirt.
The mural, unveiled by Mary’s son Orlando Plunket Greene, also marks the start of Kensington + Chelsea Art Week, celebrating creativity across the Royal Borough.
The King’s Road will see further cultural additions over the next year with a new ‘creative quarter’, pub theatre and another major public art installation as part of Cadogan’s latest development, The Gaumont.
