Tribute to Dame Mary Quant

The Warden has paid tribute to Dame Mary Quant after the celebrated fashion designer and former Goldsmiths student passed away at the age of 93.

Dame Mary came to Goldsmiths aged 16 in 1950 to study for an art diploma.

Professor Frances Corner OBE, Warden of Goldsmiths, said: “Dame Mary was a pioneer who made an indelible mark on society through her visionary work.  

“Her studies at Goldsmiths came as Britain was emerging into a new world, and her creations played an important part in helping empower women during this changing time.

“She was one of the original disruptors, whose trend-setting work changed the way we thought as well as how we dressed. This profound impact took us from the black and white world of the 1950s to the technicolour brilliance of the 1960s and beyond.

“Dame Mary always spoke fondly of her time at Goldsmiths – remembering it as a ‘great place to go, for causing trouble!’. We are proud to have helped develop her vision and are grateful for the support she continued to give our students.

“We have lost a cherished member of the Goldsmiths community and send our thoughts to Dame Mary’s family at this sad time.”

Dame Mary spoke about her time at Goldsmiths in this interview.