April Ashley MBE (1935-2021)
Words by The Keeper, handkerchief by Francesca Way
April Ashley was awarded an MBE in 2012 for her campaigning work for the transgender community. Born into a large working-class family in Liverpool, April felt like a woman in a man’s body from an early age. Bullied and beaten for being different as a child, then subjected to brutal psychiatric treatment as an adult, April was determined to live her truth. In 1960 she became one of the first people to undergo gender reassignment surgery after travelling to Casablanca for the high risk, innovative procedure.
April went on to become a model, adopting a cut-glass upper-class accent, and was photographed by David Bailey for Vogue. Sadly, her modelling career was cut short when a ‘friend’ sold her story to The Sunday People for £5. This did not quash her spirit, though, and she went on to become a national treasure.
At art school in the 1980s, I was lucky enough to be introduced to April – she was just as fascinating and radiant as you would imagine. A true lady of our times.
This artwork is part of The Wall of Sexual Heroes, a collaborative textile art piece featured in our previous exhibitions at the Horse Hospital (2022) and Bow Arts Lab (2023). All embroidered, printed and appliquėd handkerchiefs celebrate unsung heroes of sexual emancipation, activism and innovation.
The Wall is an organic work. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with The Keeper.
