Tribute to Bette

From the archive, first published Thursday 22nd Jun 2000.

Tributes have poured in following the death of a 69-year-old Stourbridge woman who revolutionised the beauty industry.

Betsy Lees, known as Bette, of Pedmore, practised beauty therapy in Oldswinford for over 25 years.

She was recognised as one of the top beauty therapists and pioneers in the West Midlands.

Her son Jonathan said: "She was a brilliant business woman and was always breaking new ground.

"In those days, beauty therapists didn't exist, but most beauty salons in the West Midlands can now be directly attributed to her."

Her career took off in the 1960s, when she was invited to join a group of pioneer beauticians in London, including Delia Collins and Gertrude Hartley, Vivian Lee's mother.

Bette became involved in trying to get nationally recognised qualifications and state registration.

In 1967, she opened her beauty salon at Oldswinford Cross, the only place in the country where women could get top-to-toe beauty treatments.

She began to share her knowledge of beauty therapy, setting up a beauty course at Foley College and her own training centre.

Jonathan said: "She always seemed to be one step ahead, and was pioneering in everything long before the women's liberation movement.

"She also loved to travel and did make-up for some of the Saudi royal family."

Bette appeared on television and hosted her own radio programme. She was a beauty editor for two magazines and had articles published in books, journals and newspapers, including Stourbridge News in the 1970's.

Bette retired and moved to Mojacar in 1986 with her husband of 50 years Arthur. He said: "Betsy leaves a legacy of memories to everyone who met her. A remarkable true lady."

Archive Home