This trio of ceramic penguins are left to right Barbara, Keith and Donald, they are created by Alan Snape (http://www.potters-house.co.uk/), they are the custodians of our bathroom here at Opening Space Retreat. I am not sure where Keith and Donald's names came from but I am clear about one thing, Barbara is named for Barbara Goalen, the muse of John French, Fashion photographer.
Barbara Goalen, 1921-2002, was born in Malaya and became well known as the model for Dior and Balenciaga, made possible by her 'mannequin' 18 inch waist.
Dior's New Look of 1947 heralded the beginning of Goalen's rise to stardom. Her waspy waist and sophisticated elegance were perfect for this Post-War fashion revolution, based as it was on the Belle Epoque fashions of the turn of the 20th century. This New Look was designed for women, not girls and Dior naturally found a muse in Goalen.
Barbara Goalen was known as the "Most Photographed Woman in Britain' in the fifties.
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