Eulogy - from Tony Rizzo
Created by Josh 12 years ago
Joshua Galvin The Godfather of Hair - by Tony Rizzo
Joshua was born with hairdressing in his veins, his grandfather was a stylist and Master Wig-Maker, his father was a Master Barber.
1950’s
In 1953 at the age of 15, Joshua began his hairdressing life in the Barratt Street College, which is now the London College of Fashion. During this time he studied Ladies and Gents hairdressing, wig-making, film and theatre.
Later in the 50’s he entered the Merchant Navy for his National Service and became the Ship’s hairdresser and shop manager for Ocean Trading.
This gave him his first taste of travel.
1960’s
In the 60’s, just before Joshua headed to the USA, he joined French of London Mayfair.
While in New York he worked for John Bernard House of Revlon, 5th Avenue where he was personal stylist to Judy Garland and Julie Andrews.
After this brief stay, he returned to London in 1961 to join Vidal Sassoon in Bond Street as a stylist.
4 years later he was manager of the salon and by 1968 Joshua had become General Manager of the London Salons and opened the first Vidal Sassoon School in Knightsbridge.
He pioneered new cuts and styling techniques and devised the very first manual of modern hair-cutting and was the inspiration and educator to many of today’s great hairdressers.
1970’s
It was in the early 70’s, in Edinburgh, that I first encountered Joshua. He was conducting a seminar to which I had been invited. It was the first seminar I had ever been to and the place was packed. Watching him perform was mesmerizing. To create precision cuts required concentration, but to see him cut at the same time as talking to the audience was astonishing and a real novelty.
It was then and there I decided that was exactly what I wanted to do.
The 70’s saw Joshua open the first Vidal Sassoon salon in Manchester, and by 1973 he had become the General Manager of Europe opening the first Vidal Sassoon salon in Munich.
This passion for the industry motivated Joshua to start his own business, “Joshua Galvin Shows and Seminars”, worldwide, with sponsorship from Wella.
Joshua was a pioneer, he was the first to travel the world teaching Anglo-Saxon techniques with his precision cutting. He put Britain on the map as leaders in hair.
1980’s
There was no stopping Joshua in the 80’s.
With talent, energy and commitment to his industry, he opened the first Joshua Galvin salon in 1980, then in 1984, he became the founder of the British Hairdressing Awards.
But it was in the area of training and education that Joshua found his true calling and in 1986, Joshua Galvin Central Training began with just 15 students.
In 1988, the first Academy in the East End of London was launched, and today there are over 1100 students in 5 training centres across London and Essex.
In 1983 Joshua became involved with the first Alternative Hair Show, in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. His dedication and support were relentless and he only ever missed one show.
1990’s
In 1990, a change came when Joshua decided to close his salon and transfer his staff to his brother Daniel’s salon, where he played a key role in the education of all the staff as well as looking after his clients.
Joshua continued to concentrate on Education which has developed and grown to the extent it is today.
Accolades
The millenium saw Joshua reap some of the awards he justly deserved.
In 2002 The fellowship of British Hairdressing awarded Joshua The Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2003 C.A.T. Germany awarded him the Grand Award for fifty years service in hairdressing.
In 2005 he was awarded the International Icon Award in Dublin by the Federation of Irish Hairdressing
In 2006 he was made a Fellow of the Institute of City and Guilds and in the same year was awarded the highest, and first ever, Gold Medal Award by the Fellowship of British Hairdressing.
In 2007 he was the first ever hairdresser to be made an Honorary Fellow of the University of the Arts and also he became part of the Alumni of the London College of Fashion.
What a list of accomplishments, but there are more to come!
Other accolades include;
Honorary President of Alternative Hair
Past President of the Fellowship of British Hairdressing (the first president to serve for a three year term)
Grand Master of the Guild for British Hairdressing
President of Intercoiffure G.B. with 34 nations membership
Past Chairman of the Hairdressing Council
Past Consultant to the Royal Collage of Fashion
Consultant to the Good Salon Guide
Consultant to the Royal College of Fashion
President of Honour I.C.D.G.B
In 2010 Joshua received a standing ovation as he was presented with the Alternative Hair Lifetime Achievement Award for helping raise 8 million pounds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research
To have the association with such an iconic man as Joshua Galvin, gave credibility to countless organizations.
Joshua was a master of his craft the dapper gentleman of hairdressing.
His activity within the industry shows his elite status and personal interest in spotting and developing talent, in short his dedication to hair.
Although Joshua’s achievements went beyond what most of us here today could gather in a lifetime, and are indeed impressive accolades to his career in hairdressing, Joshua himself was greater than any of these.
He has been a central figure in shaping the hairdressing industry worldwide in an illustrious career that has spanned over 50 years.
He was a creative artist in his own right who had the ability to inspire others with the strength of his convictions that came so naturally to him. He was generous with not only his time, but his patience and ability to communicate with people of all ages. He made learning and working enjoyable.
Joshua had time for us all and would strike up conversation with anyone anywhere……and could he talk!
The Alternative Hair Show has been held in the U.S.A., Italy. Korea and Japan, and no matter where we went Joshua was always a great communicator with the performers and the audience alike. His creative input in organizing the show concepts was immeasurable and his calming influence helped no end.
Here are just a few quotes from the many tributes that have been received;
“Joshua has left a fantastic legacy to the industry and his educational achievements will be carried on.”
“He was the soul of inspiration, a mentor, The Godfather of Hairdressing."
“Joshua had the personality and charisma that was endearing and motivating, he was greatly respected by staff and students."
"Joshua had pride in his profession"
"Joshua has been a tower of strength-truly a Colossus with his support and encouragement"
"Joshua loved and was loved by people way beyond the bounds of his profession"
"Despite his illness he carried on with his usual sense of humour and ever present twinkle in his eye. Nothing was too much for him.”
"Joshua was a true gentleman................a legend"
Fitting tributes indeed.
Joshua was an exceptional all rounder. His creativity was unsurpassed and his management skills were truly something to aspire to.
He stressed the importance of successful management and pointed out that it is much easier to get people to do things when you have a smile on your face, a lesson worth remembering.
Joshua was a man of vision and throughout his association with Alternative Hair, he has been there for us all.
There with that captivating smile and engaging personality. There with that GALVANISING Galvin drive and infectious enthusiasm.
There with all the influence that a man of such high standing in the world of Hairdressing brings.....
And above all there with his tireless good humour and friendship.
As master of his trade, yet never phased by his own glorification, Joshua remained warm hearted, caring and humble.
He was a proud man , and this was evident in the pleasure he showed when speaking of his beloved wife, Rita, and children Josh jnr., Maria and his 5 grandsons. His family meant everything to him and it is with them that we mourn his all too sudden loss.
I feel privileged to have known and loved such a remarkable friend.
He will be greatly missed but NEVER forgotten!
GOD BLESS YOU JOSH
-Your friend Tony-