The Laura Ashley Foundation

Who's Who

President of the Foundation - Sir Bernard Ashley

Bernard Ashley set up the business "Laura Ashley" with his wife, Laura, in 1953. The business took flight in - and will always be associated with - rural mid-Wales. It grew into an international company. He and his wife Laura, endowed the Foundation between 1984 and 1986. In the 1990's, Bernard Ashley set up another business, Country House Hotels. One remains, Llangoed Hall, near Brecon, Powys.

Bernard Ashley remained involved in developments at the Laura Ashley Foundation until his death in February 2009. The original Fellowship Awards were his concept, based on his own experience in his thirties of having a good, useful idea, which it was difficult to get backing for.