How much did Quant’s husband, Alexander Plunket Green, and her business partner Archie McNair contribute to her success, in your opinion?
She had the talent, and they had the money to subsidize her efforts. She would have had a much harder time without their financial help.
They had the business expertise and outgoing personalities and boldness. Mary seemed shy and wanted to design, and really did not know how to market her designs.
I was absolutely expecting her relationship with APG to end in disaster, so I was pleasantly surprised when it seemed he remained supportive to the end (only talking about the book here; I have no idea what happens in real life or if it ultimately went wrong). And I think the fact that they kept encouraging her to allow folks to help her with the hands-on stuff so she could focus on the creative side was great. She clearly had a brilliant fashion mind, and I think it was great that they gave her to freedom to explore it. I do wish they had helped her a bit with her anxiety, but of course it was a different time back then, so this was probably pretty realistic with how someone with anxiety would have been treated.
A great deal! I don’t think Mary would have succeeded without both the financial backing and the emotional support they provided. APG was a diamond in the rough for Mary. I do think she appreciated him and the fact that he allowed her to design and remain in the background for the most part. I was happy they stayed together through the end of the novel.
As the others have previously answered, Mary had the talent to create the designs and with her exceptional sewing knowledge. Alexander Plunket Green’(APG) provided the financial support, and his outrageous flaws encouraged Mary. Archie was a solicitor and property manager with the business experience. Archie and ( APG) were friends and provided the backbone that encouraged Mary to fulfill her ambitions.