Clear White Beads - Norman Hartnell Archive

This exquisite collection of mid-20th century dressmakers’ beads and sequins originates from the archive of Mollie (Marjorie Constance) Welch, an accomplished embroiderer who worked for Sir Norman Hartnell from 1937 onwards.

Mollie began her career at the prestigious Hartnell couture house on Bruton Street, London, where she contributed to royal and aristocratic gowns embellished with intricate beadwork and embroidery. Her early diary entries mention work on the Queen’s Coronation gowns, including the iconic feather bodice created for Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) in 1937, and she later assisted with the Coronation ensembles of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

After retiring in 1970, Mollie cherished her collection of materials — sequins, beads, and embroidery samples — intending to open her own atelier to teach tambour embroidery. Although fashions changed and her plans never came to fruition, these beautiful embellishments have remained safely preserved for decades. 

The set offered here comes directly from the Mollie Welch archive, a tangible link to one of Britain’s most celebrated couture houses and the golden age of royal embroidery under Norman Hartnell.