Sue Murray was a prominent British fashion model in the 1960s, known for her elegant features, expressive presence, and collaborations with some of the era’s most influential photographers. Born in Bournemouth in 1946, she spent part of her childhood in India and Sri Lanka before returning to England, where she studied art at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London. Her artistic background and natural poise quickly drew attention, and she became one of the leading faces of the Swinging London fashion scene.
Murray worked with renowned photographers such as David Bailey, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Bert Stern. One of her most iconic appearances was in Bailey’s 1965 “Box of Pin-Ups” series, which featured the most celebrated cultural figures of the time. Her modeling style was classic yet modern—marked by minimalism, emotion, and a strong visual presence.
Later in life, Murray returned to her passion for art and moved to the United States, where she pursued painting full-time. Though less publicly known today, she remains an enduring figure of 1960s fashion, admired for both her timeless beauty and artistic spirit. Take a look at these fabulous photos to see portraits of a young Sue Murray in the 1960s.
Sue Murray wearing ostrich feathers tied with a pink satin bow by Otto Lucas, black chiffon dress by John Cavanagh, diamond bracelet by Kutchinsky, photo by David Bailey, Vogue UK, December 1964
Sue Murray, photo by David Bailey, Vogue, 1964
Sue Murray, photo by David Bailey, Vogue, October 1964
Sue Murray, photo by David Bailey, Vogue, October 1964
Sue Murray in a nifty black and white vinyl tube dress pulled up with rhinestone straps by Joel Schumacher for Paraphernalia, photo by Irving Penn, Vogue, November 15, 1965
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