Laura Ashley was born Laura Mountney in Dowlais Top, a mining and iron ore town in South Wales. Brought up in a humble row of colliers cottages, Laura's love for Wales endured even after she moved with her family to London as a small child.
She married stockbroker Bernard Ashley in 1948 and began life as a wife and mother - Laura was to have four children - two boys and two girls, all of whom ended up working for the now famous Laura Ashley company.
Laura and Bernard started their business in a very small scale way, working from their kitchen in Pimlico, making tablemats, napkins and scarves and then taking them round to stores to sell them. Initial success gave the couple the confidence to continue and Bernard committed to their business, leaving his full time job.
They moved from London to Kent in 1955 and the business was nearly wiped out in 1958 when the River Darent overflowed . In 1961, they moved back to Laura's beloved home land Wales. The Old Railway House in Carno, mid Wales was the new location for this increasing business.
The business continued to expand, with the couple working in tandem and with the help of their four children. By 1975, turnover was £5million per year and the company employed 1,000 people worldwide.
Sadly on her 60th birthday, Laura fell down the stairs at her daughters house and was rushed to hospital. She never recovered and passed away 9 days later.