[1] At the age of seventeen, she left school and went to work at an electoral registration office at Bedford Town Hall.

She then moved to London, where she worked briefly in a solicitor's office before taking a stockroom job at Liberty & Co in 1950.

She worked her way upwards to selling over the counter, and then despite her lack of formal art college training, was given the opportunity to sketch in Liberty's ready to wear department.

[3] Upon leaving Jaeger, Muir was approached by David Barnes, a mass-market jersey dress manufacturer, who was keen to have her talents on board as a designer for his brand.

Muir used the best quality fabrics, working in silk, cashmere, jersey and crepe, with a focus on form and fluidity.

She ignored the fads of high fashion design, but focused on creating a consistently evolving series of understated, sober clothes.

Muir placed pockets at hip level to encourage the wearer to hold her shoulders back confidently.

[6] Jane Mulvagh describes Muir clothes as being comfortable and effortless, and, "once donned, easily forgotten by the wearer but never the beholder.

Leuckert made a statement to the effect that he had hoped that they could take the retail route based on the success of the Conduit Street shop.

The actress Joanna Lumley was Muir's first house model, and became a muse, close friend and loyal customer.

Other well-known Muir clients included Lauren Bacall, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Charlotte Rampling, Julie Walters, Joan Plowright, Dr. Miriam Stoppard and Patricia Hodge.

Her designs were also worn by public figures such as the author and historian Lady Antonia Fraser and the publisher Carmen Callil.

His wife was aware of this, and Leuckert continued to live with her whilst paying regular visits to his daughter and her mother, Ingrid, in Germany.

Her husband and Jean Muir Ltd. continued the work begun, and pledged money in her memory, as did many of her personal friends and loyal customers.

In 2005, Leuckert donated Jean Muir's archive collection of her fashion and accessory designs to the National Museums of Scotland.