Down memory lane..

Heritage Open Days 2009

Two former Spirella models met up for the first time after 53 years at the former corset and swimwear factory on Saturday in the world’s first Garden City.

The Spirella Building – under the ownership of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation – was the starting point for the town’s comprehensive involvement in the national Heritage Open Days, where 20 venues in the Garden City opened their doors to the public last weekend.

Lady Valerie Skeet and Shirley Green were Spirella models in the 1950’s and recounted many memories of the Spirella Building on Saturday when a special exhibition on the history of the building took centre stage in the magnificent ballroom.

The Heritage Foundation also laid on over 20 works of art from its Heritage Museum capturing the social history of the Garden City, exclusive tours of the 1905 Exhibition Cottages led by the Exhibition Cottages Group, limited edition souvenir postcards, entries from the ‘Picture This’ 2009 photographic competition and a free minibus service to the other venues.

Thousands of visitors from near and far attended the Spirella Building and the other venues over the weekend.

(Photograph - Lady Skeet, modelling for Spirella)