Childhood and Education Journey of Vivienne Westwood in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Vivienne Westwood, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Vivienne Westwood was a highly influential English fashion designer and businesswoman, pivotal in popularizing punk and new wave styles. Ranked among Britain's most influential artists of the last 50 years, she significantly impacted the fashion world with her innovative and rebellious designs.
April 1941: Vivienne Westwood's Birth in Cheshire
On April 1941, Vivienne Westwood was born in Hollingworth, Cheshire, England. Her father worked as a storekeeper and her mother's maiden name was Ball.
April 1941: Vivienne Westwood Born
Vivienne Westwood was born on April 1941. She would later become a significant figure in fashion, bringing punk and new wave styles to the mainstream.
1958: Family Moves to Harrow
In 1958, Vivienne Westwood's family moved to Harrow, Greater London. Following the move, she enrolled in a jewellery and silversmith course at the Harrow Art School before leaving.
July 1962: Marriage to Derek Westwood
In July 1962, Vivienne Swire married Derek Westwood in Harrow. Vivienne made her own wedding dress for the occasion.
1963: Birth of Ben Westwood
In 1963, Ben Westwood, Vivienne Westwood's son with Derek Westwood, was born. He became a photographer of erotica.
1967: Birth of Joseph Corré
In 1967, Joseph Corré, Vivienne Westwood's son with Malcolm McLaren, was born. He later founded the lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.
1992: Westwood Married Andreas Kronthaler
In 1992, Vivienne Westwood married Andreas Kronthaler, her former fashion student, marking a significant personal relationship.
2000: Westwood Moved to Queen Anne Style House
In 2000, Vivienne Westwood moved from an ex-council flat to a Queen Anne style house in Clapham built in 1703, convinced by Andreas Kronthaler.
2007: Westwood Switches Support to the Conservative Party
In 2007, Vivienne Westwood announced on television that she had switched her support from the Labour Party to the Conservatives, citing concerns about civil liberties and human rights.
2007: Westwood Spoke Out Against Consumerism
In a 2007 interview, Vivienne Westwood criticized what she called the "drug of consumerism", advising people to "buy something from me. Just don't buy too much."
2008: Westwood Participated in Anti-Nuclear Demonstration
On Easter Sunday in 2008, Vivienne Westwood personally participated in the largest Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament demonstration in a decade at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire, demonstrating her commitment to activism.
January 2015: Westwood Supported the Green Party
In January 2015, Vivienne Westwood publicly supported the Green Party, donating £300,000 to their election campaign, citing it as being in the best interests of the country and economy.
June 2017: Westwood Endorsed Jeremy Corbyn for 2017 General Election
In June 2017, Vivienne Westwood endorsed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for the 2017 general election, expressing excitement about the Labour Party manifesto's focus on fair wealth distribution.
April 2019: Westwood Visited Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison
In April 2019, Vivienne Westwood visited Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison, continuing her long-term support for him.
November 2019: Westwood Supported Jeremy Corbyn in Open Letter
In November 2019, Vivienne Westwood, along with other public figures, signed a letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn, describing him as "a beacon of hope" and endorsing him in the UK general election.
July 2020: Westwood Protested Assange's Extradition in Birdcage
In July 2020, Vivienne Westwood protested outside London's Old Bailey against Julian Assange's extradition by suspending herself in a giant birdcage, describing herself as the canary in the coal mine.
2020: CIRCA Commission
In 2020, CIRCA commissioned Vivienne Westwood to present a video work on the Piccadilly Lights screen in London for her 80th birthday. The ten-minute film featured Westwood performing a rewritten rendition of "Without You" to warn against environmental catastrophes and the arms trade.
December 2022: Death of Vivienne Westwood
In December 2022, Vivienne Westwood died in Clapham, London, at the age of 81.
January 2023: Private Funeral
In January 2023, a private funeral was held for Vivienne Westwood at Christ Church in Tintwistle, Derbyshire, the village where Westwood grew up. The church was decorated with MacLeod Harris Tweed tartan.
February 2023: Memorial Service
In February 2023, a memorial service for Vivienne Westwood was held at Southwark Cathedral in London.
