Background
Beavan was born in London, England. Her father was a cellist, her mother a viola player.
Beavan was born in London, England. Her father was a cellist, her mother a viola player.
Attended, Central School Art adn Design, London.
She credits them for instilling a strong work ethic. She also has a sister. Jenny Beavan is known for her work on Merchant Ivory films.
In the 1970s, she worked on set design for London theatrical productions.
She joined the field of film costume design after obtaining an unpaid position to design garments for a small Merchant Ivory film, Hullabaloo Over Georgie and Bonnie"s Pictures. This began her long relationship with Merchant Ivory productions.
She has frequently worked with costume designer John Bright, who runs the costume-rental house Cosprop, and credits him with educating her as she was starting out her career. She said she was helped by "just listening to him and learning from him, learning the history and the politics of clothing".
1984 - The Bostonians - Shared with John Bright.
Lost to Amadeus. 1986 - A Room with a View - Shared with John Bright. 1987 - Maurice - Shared with John Bright.
Lost to The Last Emperor.
1992 - Howards End - Shared with John Bright. Lost to Bram Stoker"s Dracula. 1993 - The Remains of the Day - Shared with John Bright.
Lost to The Age of Innocence.
1995 - Sense and Sensibility - Shared with John Bright. Lost to Restoration. 1999 - Anna and the King - Lost to Topsy Turvy.
2001 - Gosford Park - Lost to Moulin Rouge!. 2010 - The King"s Speech - Lost to Alice in Wonderland.
Married Ian Albery (separated 1995). 1 child Caitlin.