See Text For Photo Credits known. Collage by helenoppenheim.com
Goodbye, dear Harold Leighton, a hair icon like no other. Born in England, ex Manager of the Salon at the famous Harrods Department Store, the man who introduced Paul Mitchell Hair Products to England and Europe, who worked for S&L and other famous names, who created some of the greatest hair of his generation. Harold lived his last decades in Florida from where he generated a buzz about too many products and ideas to list.
In 1957 he married the love of his life, Maxine. My heart goes out to you, Maxine. There are no words. Take a look at some of Harold’s work, and his life, lived to the fullest. RIP, Harold Leighton. You were loved by many and will be missed by all.
Top Row, left to right : Harold Leighton … Harold with Maxine … Hair and photo of Maxine by Harold … Famous names, including Vidal Sassoon before he was famous, in 1950, That’s Harold with hair, wearing glasses! … Many hairpieces and wigs linked together to create the finished big look, Photo: Barry Lategan.
Second Row: Harold and Max wed in 1957, she went on to own fashion boutiques in Hampstead and Conduit Street, in London … 1970 Million dollar hairstyle for Graf Diamonds, Photo Vic Singh … A fave look, a pony with a difference, Photo: John Hedgcoe … Harold, Jeanne Braa, Paul Mitchell , 1986 … “Snowballs” Photo: Tony Rawlingson …Wigs and Hairpieces, 1963 …’70s extravaganza. “OMG, what was I thinking!” wrote Harold.
Third Row : Harold with”Viddy” the friend he loved – Vidal Sassoon … One of many articles about Harold … “From Salon to Celebrity” coffee table book by Harold … Harold the dresser teaching … Hair for Fabergé, 1973
Thank you I’d love to write to Maxine is there a way to do that ? I used to know them both quite well in the 80’s and 90’s and would like to send her condolences.
Will send you an email.
Mr Harold
I worked at your salon in Wembley then my big break Hampstead…you were so kind to me and really gave me my voice…thank you so much…
RIP
Roger Levy
Harold was very special. Thanks for posting
Thank you Helen for this tribute to our most dear and wonderful friend Harold. He was a gift to the hairdressing craft that just kept giving. We all thought and wished that it would never end!
Thank you for thank you, Keith. While I was researching Harold’s work, I realized he was even more talented than I knew.