Founder of Champneys immortalised in bronze

Dorothy Purdew, the founder of iconic spa resort Champneys, will be immortalised by a bronze bust designed by renowned sculptor Shenda Amery.

Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia will unveil the bust in her London-based studio next week (8 March).

The unveiling ceremony will also be attended by BBC news correspondent Kate Adie, Lady Colin Campbell and former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks – a prominent figure in the News International phone hacking scandal, although she was later cleared of all charges.

Purdew set up the first Champneys in 1970, opening a subsequent 69 locations in the South East.

The chain is one of the largest and most recognisable spa brands in the world.

Amery was behind the bronze busts of Margaret Thatcher and John Major, both when they were sitting prime ministers.

She also created similar works for Baroness Betty Boothroyd, Dame Margaret Beckett and King Hussein of Jordan, among others.