Artist and fashion writer Molly Parkin dies

What’s Happening

So basically Artist, fashion designer, broadcaster and writer Molly Parkin was one of Wales’ most colourful personalities.

Artist and fashion writer Molly Parkin dies 11 hours ago Save Save BBC Parkin was fashion editor of Nova and Harpers and Queen Artist, fashion designer, broadcaster and writer Molly Parkin, who has died aged 93, was one of Wales most colourful personalities. Born in Pontycymer, she embodied the “Swinging Sixties”, embracing it with flamboyance and unique style. (we’re not making this up)

But she also achieved success as an abstract painter and later award-winning London fashion editor.

The Details

Parkin gave up alcohol in her 50s but insisted her hedonism had been “a rejoicing in life”. She was fashion editor of Nova and Harpers and Queen then an award-winner in the same role at the Sunday Times in 1971.

Parkin later published 10 “comic erotica” novels and two volumes of memoirs, while also being a popular guest on chat shows. BBC/Anthony Lycett Molly Parkin was born Molly Noyle Thomas in February 1932 She was married twice - to art dealer Michael Parkin and artist Patrick Hughes.

Why This Matters

But she also had a string of lovers, who included blues singer Bo Diddley, the writer John Mortimer and notably the actor James Robertson Justice. She turned down the advances of Louis Armstrong. Friends included Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol and George Melly.

The entertainment world moves fast, and this is a prime example.

Key Takeaways

• The two-year affair with Justice was formative and he was described as “the love of my life”.
• It was at the height of his fame.
• “I was 22, he was 52,” Parkin recalled in a BBC Desert Island Discs interview .

The Bottom Line

“I was 22, he was 52,” Parkin recalled in a BBC Desert Island Discs interview . “My father died and I looked at Jamess hands and his skin reminded me of my father and I didnt want any reminders of my father and I thought what are you doing with a man as old as your father?

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