Wenda Parkinson (née Rogerson) (1923-1987) was a fashion model, author, and wife of Norman Parkinson. Norman Parkinson first met Wenda Rogerson, when she was appearing as a young actress, at The Arts Theatre Club. Several of the underpaid actresses supplemented their salaries through occasional fashion modeling.
Wenda Parkinson in the 1940s and early ’50s
Parkinson was alerted to her beauty and photogenic qualities by Cecil Beaton who had worked with her successfully on one of his sittings.
Wenda married Parkinson in 1947. As well as remaining Parkinson’s muse, lifetime companion and home-maker for the Parkinson homes in Twickenham and Trinidad, Wenda researched and published an important biography of Toussaint L’Ouverture the Haitian slave-turned-revolutionary, entitled This Gilded African in 1978.
Wenda died in 1987. Take a look at these stunning photos to see portraits of a young Wenda Parkinson in the 1940s and early 1950s.
Wenda Parkinson, photo by Norman Parkinson, Vogue, 1940
Wenda Parkinson in a coat by Aquascutum, Vogue, November 1947
Wenda Parkinson in evening gown by Rahvis, photo by Clifford Coffin, London, April 15, 1947
Wenda Parkinson in fashion by Michelle, photo by Clifford Coffin at Cripplegate Church, London, August 1947
Wenda as seen in Vogue 1948, photo by Norman Parkinson
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