Shirley Worthington: The Grace of 1950s British Fashion

Shirley Worthington was a notable British model and actress in the 1950s, a period when British fashion and photography were gaining international prominence. Her career included work for major publications, such as appearing on the cover of British Vogue. She was frequently photographed by prominent fashion photographers of the era.

Worthington’s public profile was further elevated when she married Anthony Royle in 1957, who later became a Member of Parliament (MP) and was created Baron Fanshawe of Richmond, giving her the title Lady Anthony Royle (or Lady Alan Royle, based on available records). This connection placed her within both the fashionable and political circles of London.

Worthington was known to have worked with designers like John Cavanagh, and her modeling career coincided with a dynamic time in post-war British style. She remains a graceful emblem of 1950s British style and the quiet allure of its fashion icons.

Shirley Worthington in afternoon dress, complete with hat and gloves, photo by John Deakin, 1951

Shirley Worthington in black grosgrain dress that ripples as you walk, it has a wrap-over bodice and skirt by Harry B. Popper, hat at Harvey Nichols, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper's Bazaar UK, December 1951

Shirley Worthington in beautiful gown of white Chantilly lace embroidered with pink sequins and full skirt of palest pink and white net at Harvey Nichols, Harper's Bazaar UK, November 1952

Shirley Worthington in black strapless gown from Lady in Black, Harper's Bazaar UK, September 1952

Shirley Worthington in romantic white organdie evening gown from Harvey Nichols, Harper's Bazaar UK, June 1952

Shirley Worthington in smooth-faced wool suit by Elmoor, Harper's Bazaar UK, October 1952

Shirley Worthington in soft suit in delicate shades of gray, small double-breasted jacket and generous gathered skirt, at Debenham & Freebody, photo by Alan Boyd, Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1952

Shirley Worthington in superb wool tweed suit in muted shades of green and oatmeal, flecked with red, with green leather belt and buttons from Harvey Nichols, photo by Alan Boyd, Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1952

British model Shirley Worthington in red and white cap with matching kerchief, photo by Watford/Mirrorpix, March 1953

Shirley Worthington in beautiful slipper satin gown with beaded embroidery by Roecliff & Chapman, Harper's Bazaar UK, November 1953

Shirley Worthington in coronation gown with bejeweled and embroidered bodice trimmed with ostrich, and matching ostrich-edged cape, by Roecliff & Chapman, Harper's Bazaar UK, June 1953

Shirley Worthington in lovely evening dress by Horrockses, Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1953

Shirley Worthington in matinee dress in fine wool georgette by Lily Schroter for Roter Ltd., Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1953

Shirley Worthington in summer Panama suit by Matita, Vogue UK, June 1953

Shirley Worthington in white grosgrain ballgown embroidered with gold bugles by Lady in Black Fashions Ltd., Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1953

Shirley Worthington on velvet coat from the Coronation Collection at Marshall and Snellgrove, Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1953

Shirley Worthington in navy and white wool suit, the chasuble-like jacket with scroll details is belted and has small white piqué collar, by Raphael, photo by Georges Saad, 1954

Shirley Worthington in red and white striped rayon dress worn under a blue and white rayon coat with large pockets, by Pierre Clarence, photo by Georges Saad, 1954

Shirley Worthington in suit by Jacqmar and cloche by Otto Lucas, photo by Norman Parkinson for British Vogue, April 1954

Shirley Worthington in wool suit by Jean Dessès, photo by Nicole Bukzin, 1954

Shirley Worthington in wool suit with white piqué collar and cuffs by Madeleine de Rauch, photo by Nicole Bukzin, 1954

Shirley Worthington in luxurious, pure wool coat with back vent and velvet details by Elmoor, Harper's Bazaar UK, February 1955

Shirley Worthington in floral print silk dress and jacket named "Plaza" by Julian Rode, hat by Dorothy Carlton, Harper's Bazaar UK, April 1956

Shirley Worthington in silk shantung dress and jacket named "Promenade" by Julian Rose, hat by Dorothy Carlton, Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1956

Shirley Worthington in superb suit in camel hair and wool, made to order at Harvey Nichols, Harper's Bazaar UK, February 1956

Shirley Worthington in wool dress with lowered waistline and full skirt by Brilkie, photo by Chaloner Woods, June 1956

Shirley Worthington in a Balmain original dress by Rembrandt, Harper's Bazaar UK, April 1957

Shirley Worthington in fine worsted wool dress and jacket called "Timbre" by Henri, Harper's Bazaar UK, April 1959