The chairman of the Tailor of Gloucester shop and museum has paid tribute to Dame Patricia Routledge, who died earlier this month aged 96.
Best known for her iconic role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, Dame Patricia also had a deep connection to the works of Beatrix Potter. She portrayed the beloved author on stage and presented a Channel 4 documentary about her life in 2016.
As President of the Beatrix Potter Society for 40 years, Dame Patricia played a key role in preserving Potter’s legacy. In 2007, she officially reopened the Tailor of Gloucester shop and museum after it was saved by local residents. The attraction, which had closed two years earlier, is run entirely by volunteers and owned by local shareholders who came together to purchase the premises and business.
Chris Hill, chairman of the Tailor of Gloucester Company, said Dame Patricia had remained a dedicated supporter.
“Dame Patricia was a great supporter of ours. She visited several times and was always keen to know how we were doing,” he said. “We have a plaque in the shop from when she officially reopened the attraction back in 2007. She made some strong friendships with people in Gloucester and will be very much missed.”