Talbots mourns founder's death

HINGHAM, Mass. Talbots is mourning the death of its founder, Nancy Talbot, who passed away on Aug. 30 at the age of 89 from complications with Alzheimer’s disease.

Trudy Sullivan, Talbots president and CEO, commented, “Known for her love of bright colors, modern art and architecture, Nancy was the original merchant at Talbots with a keen eye for timeless but always distinctive styles.  She believed chic and understated clothes were the hallmarks of good taste, a belief that is still ever present in the Talbots brand.  We pay tribute to the indelible mark Nancy has left on Talbots and we will continue to build on the legacy she founded more than 60 years ago.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to her entire family.”

Nancy and Rudolf Talbot founded Talbots in 1947 in a tiny shop in Hingham, Mass.  Needing more space, they purchased a large antique home a couple of blocks from their shop.  At the suggestion of a local designer, they painted the front door bright red and women soon flocked to see “the store with the red door.”  In 1973, they sold the business to General Mills.  Rudy retired that year but Nancy stayed on as a VP until her retirement in 1983 after 35 years of service.