Biography

Norman Hartnell was born on June 12, 1901 in London, England, UK. He was a costume designer and actor, known for A Southern Maid (1934), When Thief Meets Thief (1937) and Non-Stop New York (1937). He died on June 7, 1979 in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK.

Cambridge educated, he won the Neiman-Marcus fashion award in 1947 and in 1977 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

He designed Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown, her coronation robe, and the wardrobes for most of her foreign tours.

Published his autobiography, "Silver and Gold" in 1955 and the book "Royal Courts of Fashion" in 1971.

Opened his London based couture house in 1923. He began his association with the British royal family during the 1930s, designing dresses for Queen Mary and in 1935 the wedding gown for the Duchess of Gloucester.

Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry was among his models.