MARTYN Moore, for many years one of Worcester’s best known ladies’ hairdressers, has died at the age of 75.
His salon Inspiration stood opposite Worcester Cathedral in College Street and social media is awash with tributes to a man who won industry awards and was a friend to so many.
A family Facebook post said: “He was so well loved and known by so many people and will undoubtedly be remembered for his cheeky smile and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
While more than 500 messages of support include: “He was an absolute gent and will be remembered by so many; he was a lovely character who always made people smile; I loved working for your dad, such a lovely man who will be truly missed; Martyn was such a great chap, he would always pop outside the hairdressers for a chat when we went past; forever the ultimate charmer, he always made me smile and feel so very flattered.”
Born in Birmingham in 1948, Martyn left school at 15 and was accepted by the prestigious Bernard of Mayfair in Corporation Street to serve an apprenticeship as a hairdresser. The early 1960s was the time of celebrity ladies’ hairdressers and he worked with and was inspired by some of the greats, including Raymond, Bernard of Mayfair himself and Vidal Sassoon.
As his skills developed, Martyn moved farther afield to salons in London and Bristol, before coming to Worcester in 1970 to work as a “guest stylist” for local hairdressers and then becoming a director at Worcester city centre salon Mr Bamber’s.
In 1979 he opened his own business at the top of College Street, which was initially called Martyn’s Place.
In the late 1980s it was restyled as Inspiration and still runs under that name today with different ownership.
Martyn’s son James, who worked alongside him, said: “Together with the name, the salon interior itself had several remodels to move with the current trends and fashions and over the years provided state of the art hair products and services, hairdryers and electrical styling products.
“Dad also always investing heavily in staff education to ensure the team was at the forefront of fashion. He employed dozens of apprentices, helping them to fulfil their own dreams to become a hairdresser.
"Many of whom still work within the industry and some who have gone on to open their own successful businesses. These were not only employees, many also became lifelong friends.
“Martyn enjoyed every day of his working life, having very little time off for illness and never dreaded going back to work. His drive and enthusiasm to work were inspiring. He finally retired in 2018 after 55 glorious years of doing what he loved best.”
Martyn Moore left sons Simon and James, daughter in law Bridget and three grandchildren Lily, Oliver and Mabel.
A book of remembrance is being kept in the Inspiration salon for anyone who would like to add their own special tribute.
His funeral will be on Tuesday, April 16 at Worcester Crematorium at 1.45pm. The funeral cortege will pause outside Inspiration in College Street at approximately 1.30pm.
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