Paula Morel - Co-Founder of the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume

Portrait and interview - 1993

Paula, born in 1905, modelled for the sculptor and engraver Eric Gill – namely for the woodblock Eve with the Serpent used to promote his work. 

She moved to Dartington Hall in 1927 where, for many years, she ran house for Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst.

During this time, she was an early dance pupil of Margaret Barr who had herself once been a student of Martha Graham.  Margaret had taught at Dartington between 1929 and 1934.

On Paula’s marriage to Roger Morel, a cider maker, they converted part of the derelict Cider Press at Shinner’s Bridge into a home.  It was from here that the first Scientific cider was made in England and tinned apple juice was produced for Woolworths.

Until recently, Paula arranged flowers for the Trustees of the private house at Dartington although she actually lives nearby in Rattery.

Her connection with Totnes is well known, for together with Annette Morel and Peter Clapham, the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume was founded; its patrons being Lord and Lady Devon and The Duke and Duchess of Somerset.  Seven years ago, the collection moved to Bogan House which is situated in the middle of the ancient Butterwalk in the town (Totnes).

A new exhibition, displaying costumes and accessories from the collection on a particular theme opens each year for the summer season.

Update: Paula died in 1996 aged ninety-one.