Leila Potter was described as a “total one off” and “quite outrageous”
A woman described as “formidable” by her family had such an array of glamorous clothing after she died her family decided to put it on display.
Leila Potter, from Wirral, could often be found in extravagant outfits and colourful ensembles and her handmade garments distinguished her from the rest.
Her eldest daughter Sarah Green said her mum, who would never disclose her age but said she was in “the same era as Joan Collins” would sit in her sewing room for hours upon hours, crafting and creating her newest piece.
Sarah who spent her childhood in outfits made by hand by her mum said: “How would I describe Leila Potter? How long have you got! She was a total a one off, very glamorous and quite outrageous. She loved her fashion, to be quite honest she had more clothes than she could ever wear.”
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“Mummy would make all her own clothes, and the bits that were left over, she’d make something for me.” Leila’s family believe her fashion stems from a rebellion against societal expectations. She grew up in Wirral and attended Birkenhead High School for Girls. Her family said she used her image as a way to go against stereotypes and make a statement.
Sarah added: “If she wanted something done, she would get it done. She was a strong, determined woman who kept up public appearances through her community work”.
Leila ran a care agency and was also a councillor for Bunbury Parish Council, when she moved to Cheshire, and was known for her work throughout the community and campaigning of care related issues.
But it was always fashion that was her biggest love and her family said even towards the end of her life, she had her dress rails lined up at her bed, so she could admire her favourite pieces until the very end.
Sarah added: “She wasn’t really in a position to wear them, but she just had to see them.” Following her death in 2022 niece Judi Potter was tasked with sorting through Leila’s clothing. From years of collecting and creating garments, her wardrobes were filled with rails upon rails of bedazzled clothes.
Judi, a fan of sparkle and embellishments herself, wanted to find a way to commemorate Leila’s eccentric style. She collated outfits from Leila’s wardrobe and took them to the Lady Lever Art Gallery. The three galleries consist of a range of outfits from Leila’s collection, as well as pieces from other local collectors.
Head of Lady Lever Art Gallery, Pauline Rushton said: “There are some things in this show that we don’t know who the original owners were. Out of the 20 items, nine of those are from one particular lady (Leila Potter), who passed away a couple of years ago. She was a super fan of sparkly clothes. She had lots of colourful things and a huge wardrobe that was offered to us.” The exhibit is open from the 26 th October- 26 th January at the Lady Lever Art Gallery.
