Jibby Beane, a prominent figure in London's fashion and art scenes, has died aged 84. Known for her striking blond looks and energetic personality, Beane modelled for Vivienne Westwood in the 1990s, ran an art gallery from her Paddington flat, and was a key supporter of emerging artists, including Turner Prize winner Martin Creed.
Fashion and Art Career
Beane began modelling in the 1960s and appeared in the first Andrex television commercial featuring a labrador retriever puppy in 1972. She also worked for couturier Victor Stiebel. In 1963, she married Kenneth Beane, whom she had known since childhood.
During the 1990s, she became a familiar face on the catwalk for Vivienne Westwood, appearing in numerous style magazines. She also ran an art gallery from her first-floor flat in Paddington, central London. In 1994, artist Martin Creed first showed his work there; he later won the Turner Prize in 2001.
Gallery and Personal Life
After studying interior design and earning a diploma from Richmond Adult College in the late 1980s, Beane established her own company, Dream Designs. She worked occasionally at the Design and Decoration Building in Chelsea, where she met Westwood in the ladies' loos. In 1991, she met art student Jonathan Goslan, which led to her separation from Ken.
By 1992, Beane was the face of Westwood's Mayfair stores, holding court every Saturday as she modelled various outfits. Mark Garcia, a colleague, recalled: "She seemed to have multiple sides – from diva to comedian. But my favourite was the one she called 'Mother Beane'. If you needed advice, or comfort, or reassurance, she would give it all. She was incredibly kind."
With Goslan, Beane began attending openings and art events associated with the Young British Artists. In 1994, she opened her own home gallery to support emerging talent. For one exhibition, an arrangement of soap in tiny dishes by Jenny Saville surrounded the bathroom mirror.
Early Life and Later Years
Beane was born Mavis Foster in Maida Vale, London, to Mabel Foster, a Liverpudlian who worked in an office by day and as a cinema usherette by night, and Dennis Thomsett, who left the family when Beane was nine. She attended the Royal Alexandra and Albert school, a state boarding school near Reigate, Surrey, where she was head girl. She had a talent for ballet but could not afford the training.
In 1996, Beane moved to Clerkenwell, ending the gallery, but she and Goslan focused on New York, where they lunched with Quentin Crisp, associated with David Bowie, and Mario Testino photographed Beane for W magazine. The pink Westwood platform shoes in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection belonged to Beane.
She is survived by her children, Oliver and Henrietta, from her marriage, two grandsons, Red and Ash, and her sister, Val.
