Meet Ann Johnson, the EEG’s original hairdressing lecturer. From a single appointment in the early 1960s, a new department grew, which continues to thrive today. However, it all began with one person.
Ann started her teaching career at a Cambridge private school that Ken Pearson and Mr Watson ran. In 1961, she set up her own salon – Ann Johnson’s – in Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, where she trained her own apprentices.
In 1962/3, Ann was asked to set up a training school for West Suffolk College in Northgate Street Annexe by Taffy/Llewelyn Booth. Since no hairdressing training had been available at the college before then, this was a completely new and exciting venture. Ann was given a large room that she furnished for basic hairdressing training.
All trainees were on a three-year apprenticeship, and came in one day a week to study hair, science and art. After a few years, Ann went on to assess salons and trainees in the workplace.
Hairdressing training was transferred to the main college building in Out Risbygate Street, on the third floor of Suffolk House. Later, Australia House was built on the college site which included a new salon.
In addition to Ann’s role as an assessor, she continued to cover absence and teach both full-time and part-time students for many years. She was also an active member of West Suffolk branch of the National Hairdressers’ Federation
Ann retired in 1996 after 34 years of dedication to students and employers in the West Suffolk area.
