Quorum, founded by Alice Pollock was one of the biggest hot spots in London during the Swinging Sixties. Alice Pollock opened the shop in Chelsea 1964, and was soon to be joined by designer Ossie Clark and is wife Celia Birtwell after meeting the designer at a party on Kings Road. Alice Pollock immediately placed a big order of Ossie Clarks dresses that sold out immediately , but she wanted Ossie Clark to produce garments that had a more organic feel to them, so she commissioned Celia Birtwell to create unique fabrics for his next collection. By doing this, one of fashions most famous collaborations was born with Ossie Clarks designing garments and Celia Birtwell producing textiles and designing prints.
1. Editorial by John Kelly, Vanity Fair May 1970
Dress by Ossie Clark for Quorum.
2. Black maxi dress by Marie France for Quorum.
In 1969 Quorums controlling interest was sold to Alfred Radley, who was the founder and owner of the infamous "Radley" fashion house, due to increasing debt of the Quorum house. But Pollock, Clark and Birtwell remained as the creative force of the shop and kept on producing clothes into the 70's.
Whilst Ossie Clark designs for Quorum remained a huge success, Alfred Radley started stocking and promoting several other designers such as Betty Jackson, Shelagh Brown, Sheridan Barnett and more.
During the 70's Quorum was also very known for their spectacular shows, with huge productions that attracted London's most star studded audience, including David Hockney and The Beatles.
All this attention made Quorum's retail business expand and Ossie Clarks brand for the house was distributed to several leading retailers around the world.
1. Image from Vanity Fair editorial, published in the June issue of 1970.
2 Quorum, crepe printed blouse with black details and buttons
1. Celia Birtwell sketch
2. Betty Jackson for Quorum teal symmetrical jacket with gold thread trim
In 1969 Quorums controlling interest was sold to Alfred Radley, who was the founder and owner of the infamous "Radley" fashion house, due to increasing debt of the Quorum house. But Pollock, Clark and Birtwell remained as the creative force of the shop and kept on producing clothes into the 70's.
Whilst Ossie Clark designs for Quorum remained a huge success, Alfred Radley started stocking and promoting several other designers such as Betty Jackson, Shelagh Brown, Sheridan Barnett and more.
During the 70's Quorum was also very known for their spectacular shows, with huge productions that attracted London's most star studded audience, including David Hockney and The Beatles.
All this attention made Quorum's retail business expand and Ossie Clarks brand for the house was distributed to several leading retailers around the world.
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