Resident receives birthday wishes from The White House
Jean received a bouquet and message of congratulations on her 99th birthday from the company where she once made baby clothes for wealthy families
Jean Picton-Turbevill, was overwhelmed to receive flowers and a letter from John Delliere of luxury interiors producer The White House.
Jean worked at The White House in London as a seamstress in the 1950s, where amongst her duties she smocked baby and toddler dresses for titled families.
Sara Foster of our Companionship Team at Abbey View said: “Jean is a regular attendee at Abbey View’s Craft, Knit and Natter sessions and often reminisces about her work at The White House, which at the time was located in Bond Street, London.
“She recalls how as a seamstress she made intricate baby and children’s clothes with smocking details.
“The items were also often sent abroad to America and Jean also remembers working for a formidable lady called Miss Iris.
“So, I looked up the company and was surprised to find them still operating.
“I emailed them to explain that Jean was turning 99 and had fond memories of working there.
“Amazingly I received a response from the managing director John Delliere, who was delighted to receive news of Jean and gave some interesting background.”
The White House was founded by Mr Delliere’s grandfather in 1906 and while it moved to Surrey and stopped producing clothes many years ago, it now produces luxurious interior accessories for important buildings and the yachts and planes of Royal families in the Middle East.
Sara continued: “Mr Delliere was pleased to hear Jean has fond memories of working there and went on to say that while her boss, his father Robert, passed away eight years ago, his mother, who was known to Jean, is 104 years old!
“We were obviously keen to make Jean’s birthday truly special, with an afternoon tea and we were thrilled to see her face when she received such kind acknowledgement from her ‘old employer.’”
Jean said: “I was so surprised to hear from The White House. It was long ago but I still have happy memories of my time there. The flowers and news that it is still thriving made my 99th birthday very special.”