GrayMCA

In the shop, we have Vanesa shining a spotlight on our collection of original Veronica Papworth illustrations 👗 Veronica began her career at 17, illustrating men's clothing catalogues. In 1946, she joined The Star newspaper as a fashion writer and illustrator before moving to Sunday Express to author her own column, accompanied by her distinctive illustrations. Decades later, Barbara Hulanicki followed this exact blueprint, beginning her career as a fashion illustrator at 19 before building the Biba empire. Presented by @graymca , our collection of Veronica's drawings are available to purchase in our shop or online.

From a private collection - we are thrilled to share an exceptionally rare original fashion illustration by British fashion artist Francis Marshall (1901–1980). Drawn live for British Vogue in 1947, it captures Princess Elizabeth on her wedding day, wearing her wedding gown by royal couturier Norman Hartnell. Coinciding with the newly opened exhibition @royalcollectiontrust celebrating the late Queen’s iconic fashion ‘Queen Elizabeth: Her Life in Style’ posting an image of this wonderful sketch is especially timely! A true intersection of fashion history, royal heritage, and British culture. Francis Marshall (1901 - 1980) 1947 ink on paper, signed with initials 39.5 x 30.5 cms Inscribed on reverse & dated Provenance: Private collection DM or email for details: gallery@graymca SOLD

Will you be in Edinburgh on Saturday 7 March? Join us for an exhibition tour of this year’s Drawing on Style exhibition @dovecotstudios at 10am. Walk the exhibition with us as we explore the bold lines, vibrant colours and startling graphics of 1960s and 1970s fashion illustration - and discover how the fashion artists of the time responded to the fast pace of cultural change, new freedom and fearless style. To book, please follow link in our bio. (Ticket includes entry to The BIBA Story: 1964-1975 also on show at Dovecot Studios.) Image: Antonio Lopez (1943-1987) Bonnie Cashin for Fashion of the Times, New York Times 1967

Graphic Checks by Antonio from 1965 for a Chicago department store feature. How genius? On view @dovecotstudios as part of our exhibition ‘Drawing on Style: The Art of Fashion Illustration from the 1960s & 70s’. #antoniolopez

A very rare original fashion illustration by the British female fashion illustrator Ruth Freeman (1911 - 2001) who illustrated for Harper’s, Vogue, The Evening Standard and for Harrods from the 1940s - late 60s. Now on show (and available to buy) at Drawing on Style @dovecotstudios until April 11.

We’re delighted to launch Drawing on Style: Original Fashion Illustration, presented in collaboration with @graymca the world’s leading specialists in original fashion illustration ✒️👢👗 Focusing on the 1960s and 1970s, this wonderful display of original artworks celebrates fashion illustration as a vital art form, capturing a defining era through line, colour and gesture. Featuring over 30 original fashion illustrations, this free-to-visit display is presented across our Foyer, Shop and Café, with all works available to purchase. ✍️ Drawing on Style | Free entry 🗓 Sat 10 January – Sat 11 April 📍 Dovecot Foyer, Shop & Café

A Kenneth Paul Block moment for Drawing on Style @dovecotstudios Exhibition opening 10 Jan - 11 April Chief illustrator for @wwd in the 70s & 80s when the daily fashion publication ruled the American fashion scene and everyone read it … and ideally featured in it too - designers or course but also chic ladies of the Upper East and West Side. They famously used to time their visits to Berdorf’s in the hope of catching KPB’s eye as he strolled by (at 11am) on his way to the WWD offices. Being sketched by KPB was ‘divine darling’. Click on @dovecotstudios for more info …

Kenneth Paul Block will shortly be stepping out in Edinburgh, Scotland as one of the standout fashion illustrations from this year’s Drawing on Style exhibition. So thrilled to be taking the show North for the first time. @dovecotstudios See links in bio for exhibition / talks info

DON’T FORGET…last date for Christmas posting of GPP One of a Kind is 15 December. The limited edition illustrated biography of legendary female fashion illustrator Gladys Perint Palmer. For all fashion lovers, illustration devotees, and anyone inspired by the art of visual storytelling expressed through line and style. Available to order exclusively via Gray M.C.A - see link in bio.

Huge congratulations to final year BA Fashion Histories and Theories last night for the launch of their exhibition celebrating Gladys Perint Plamer, which is on display in the CSM second floor library vitrines until 12th January. This was the culmination of a group project between FHT students and Gray M.C.A. Fashion Illustration Gallery, which explored the broader context of visual storytelling and the value of fashion illustration in representing and mediating fashion’s meaning. Bridging theory with practice, the exhibition situates GPP’s work into themes that offer historical and theoretical readings of fashion illustration’s storytelling capacity, articulating which she was such an important and influential voice in the industry. An in conversation between Connie Gray @graymca , @callyblackman , @jashodgkins and @dalchodha discussed how fashion illustration operates as a go-between fashion and its communication in the wider world, exploring GPP’s connections to CSM, which she frequently referred to as the foundation of her subsequent success as a fashion illustrator, editor and commentator. Thank you to @helenatraill for graphic design and @_elliotheath_ for photos. ♥️

Drawing on Style is travelling to Scotland in 2026! The latest edition of Drawing on Style will be celebrating a pivotal era when line, colour and gesture articulated the cultural and creative shifts of fashion in the 1960s and 70s. The exhibition opens 10 January at the fabulous Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh, to accompany the new BIBA Story: 1964 - 1975 exhibition. To find out more please visit @dovecotstudios Image: Runway by Steven Stipelman, 1972 pastel & gouache on paper, signed & dated. @stipelmanart

Join us for an evening celebrating the life and legacy of Gladys Perint Palmer and the launch of a new exhibition curated by final year CSM Fashion Histories & Theories students that explores GPP’s extraordinary career and her long connection to Central Saint Martins. 5-6pm Drinks & exhibition view 6pm In Conversation with Connie Gray and Cally Blackman, hosted by Dal Chodha. The discussion will reflect on GPP’s influence as an illustrator, editor and commentator, and the continuing importance of fashion illustration as a form of visual storytelling. The event is FREE to attend, but booking is essential. See link in bio. Special thanks to @elizabeth_kutesko & @isabellacgv at @fccsm for making this happen! @gladysperintpalmer @callyblackman