Maureen, Lorraine, Joyce, Fay, Marion, Cythia and Freda were all paintresses at Royal Worcester between 1946 and 1986. Freda was the first to start, in 1946, aged 14. She became head of the department in 1966 and left in 1971. Fay joined in 1949 at 15. She later worked from home when her daughters were young, and then came back part-time until 1986. Cynthia joined next, in 1953. She also came straight from school on the recommendation of her art teacher. She later became a home worker too. Marion and Joyce were friends at Stanley Rd school and started on the same day in 1956. At first they came to work in their school skirts and ankle socks. Maureen started later the same year, following in the footsteps of her sister who already worked in the factory. Lorraine was the last to start in 1957 – she wanted to paint or be a nurse and managed to do both as she became part of the Red Cross team at Royal Worcester.

EXTRACT Painting their first model ‘Only Me’ – Marion explains the process. Duration 1.11

Copyright Museum of Royal Worcester

You can listen to the paintresses’ group interview by clicking on the YouTube video below. You can also download a PDF with a detailed summary of the paintresses’ interview via the download button below.