Frances Farquharson

Frances Farquharson was a remarkable woman with a dynamic and bold personality, who left a lasting impression on all she met. She was born Frances Lovell Oldham in Seattle, U.S.A, the daughter of a company lawyer and first came to Britain in the 1920s. Her flair for chic stylish dress was quickly evident as not long after her arrival in London she was appointed fashion editor at Vogue.

Following a tragic accident in which her first husband died, Frances took up the post as fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar, later becoming editor of the magazine. Shortly after, she met her second husband, Captain Charles Gordon; the marriage was destined to end in divorce, but her only daughter was born at this time. During the war years she worked for the Department of Overseas Trade, promoting British merchandise in America. Her love for fashionable dress and couture is evident from the marvellous costumes and accessories from this period.

When she married Captain Alwyne Farquharson in 1949 her life took a different direction as she moved to Scotland and embarked on rejuvenating the Invercauld Estate with characteristic vigour. Here her love of fashion led her to develop an interest in Scottish woollens, tweeds and mohairs, commissioning a splendid wardrobe of tartans to wear to the Braemar Gathering. This also provided the opportunity to indulge one of her great loves – audacious hats – with a variety of large floppy tartan berets. She also opened the Invercauld Speciality Shop devoted to Scottish tartans and tweeds.

In 1996 a large part of her wardrobe was donated to Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums. The collection provides a window on the wonderful taste and creativity of this energetic and elegant woman, who often designed her own costumes. Most notable are her striking ensembles of Farquharson tartan worn to the annual meeting of the Braemar Royal Highland Society.

Mrs Farquharson had a lively sense of humour, and above all an unrivalled flair for dramatic and sharp dressing, developed during her early career in fashion and journalism.