Quick Facts
Biography
Blanche Blackwell (9 December 1912 – 8 August 2017) was a Jamaican heiress, mother of Chris Blackwell (founder of Island Records) and an inspirational muse to Ian Fleming and Noël Coward.
Early life
Blanche Blackwell was born in Costa Rica and was part of the Lindo family (Jewish immigrants) who were prominent in Jamaica having made their fortune from rum and sugar in the 19th Century.
Relationship with Ian Fleming
During her life Blanche Blackwell became known for her role as friend, mistress and muse to Ian Fleming who lived nearby in Jamaica. On first meeting Fleming at a dinner party the two did not immediately hit it off, but their friendship developed into a deeper and creative one. Fleming's marriage to Ann Charteris had suffered owing to her disapproval of the James Bond novels, and she was often away from the couple's home in Jamaica. Blackwell is believed by some to have been the inspiration for some of Fleming’s most memorable female characters; Pussy Galore and Honeychile Rider. Her brother sold land to Coward for his Jamaican houses.
She was vivacious and attractive, lively and intelligent. She became friends with prominent figures and celebrities of the time including Errol Flynn, whom she met when he was holidaying in Jamaica. She continued to be involved with her son's life and work, hosting parties and giving advice.
Death
Blackwell died in London on 8 August 2017 at the age of 104.