Nottingham Playhouse is to welcome Sir Paul Smith, internationally famous fashion designer, at two ‘in conversation’ events to raise funds for its charity.
Hosted by renowned journalist and author Richard Williams, Beeston-born Sir Paul will answer questions from the audience about his inspiration, career and extraordinary impact on the global fashion industry. This is a special opportunity to hear from a British national treasure who is proud to call Nottingham home.
Following news of the cultural funding cuts by Nottingham City Council, Sir Paul approached Nottingham Playhouse to offer his support in fundraising.
All ticket proceeds from the events will support Nottingham Playhouse’s charitable activity with communities in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Sir Paul Smith said: “Nottingham Playhouse holds a very important place in my heart, believe it or not I’m actually old enough to remember it being opened. My business was started in Nottingham and I continue to employ a lot of people there. I’m delighted to be appearing in conversation with Richard Williams, both of us Nottingham lads, and of course all proceeds from tickets sold will go to support the Playhouse’s brilliant work.”
Stephanie Sirr, chief executive at Nottingham Playhouse, said: “We were thrilled to receive Sir Paul’s generous offer of support, as a Nottingham-born creative icon who has done so much to showcase and support creativity in the city, the UK and internationally. These unique events will offer a really special opportunity for people to get a personal insight into Sir Paul’s career and mindset, whilst supporting our charitable work.”
There will be two events on Tuesday, October 15, one at 4pm and one at 7pm.
Sir Paul Smith was an avid cyclist until he was 17, when a road accident put paid to his competitive dreams. Through a new friendship group, Paul found himself amongst a new world of creatively minded young people and from there embarked on a life-long journey of discovery and exploration in design, music and fashion.
From its origins in one small shop in Nottingham, Paul Smith has grown into a global business, selling to five continents, over 70 countries and 3,000 shops. Famous for men’s and women’s tailoring, clothing and accessories collections, Paul Smith specialises in an inventive use of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design to create beautifully made, modern pieces.
Richard Williams grew up in Nottingham, where he trained as a reporter on the Evening Post before moving to London in 1969. He has written about music and sport while on the staff of The Times, The Independent and The Guardian, and for many other publications. He has written books about Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, Ayrton Senna, Enzo Ferrari and footballers who wear the number 10, and is a former artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Festival.
