Judy Bentinck
Judith Ann Bentinck, Countess of Portland, Countess Bentinck (née Emerson; born 10 October 1952 in Newcastle-Under-Lyme) is a couture milliner based in Central London. She is married to the actor Tim Bentinck, also a peer of the realm, by which marriage she holds her titles.
Background and education
Born to John Robert Emerson and Mary Elizabeth Emerson (née Graham), she attended Alleyne’s School (later Alleyne's High School), Stone, Staffordshire. She gained a BA in printed textiles at Liverpool College of Art, then later moved into the world of costume design, working for the RSC, the BBC and the Royal Opera House and teaching at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where she met her future husband.
Bentinck trained with Rose Cory, Royal Warrant Holder and world-renowned teacher.[1]
Career
Portland Hats was started in 2002 and re-branded in 2004 to Judy Bentinck Millinery to 'emphasize the exclusivity of her product'. Housed at Cockpit Arts Studios in Holborn, Judy creates a Spring/Summer and an Autumn/Winter Collection each year, but the majority of her work is bespoke, by commission.
Bentinck teaches millinery through Cockpit Arts Studios and Central Saint Martins.
Family
The former Judy Emerson married the actor Tim Bentinck, who later became 12th Earl of Portland, in 1979; the couple have two sons:
- William Jack Henry Bentinck, Viscount Woodstock (b. 19 May 1984)
- The Hon. Jasper James Mellowes Bentinck (b. 12 Jun 1988)