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Pattie Boyd

Pattie Boyd is an English former model and photographer born in 1944.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pattie Boyd (born Patricia Anne Boyd on 17 March 1944) is an English former model and photographer. She rose to prominence in the 1960s as a leading fashion model and became a cultural figure through her marriages to musicians George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Boyd also worked as a photographer and published an autobiography in 2007.

Early life and modelling

Pattie Boyd was born in Taunton, Somerset, England, on 17 March 1944. She began her modelling career in the early 1960s and became one of the recognisable faces of 1960s London fashion, working with leading photographers such as David Bailey and Terence Donovan.

Marriage to George Harrison

Boyd met George Harrison during the filming of A Hard Day's Night and married him in 1966. Their marriage placed her at the centre of Beatles-era popular culture, and she was later associated with songs inspired by her, including Harrison's 'Something'.

Marriage to Eric Clapton

After divorcing Harrison in 1977, Boyd married Eric Clapton in 1979. Their marriage ended in 1989, and Boyd became closely associated with several songs inspired by her, including Clapton's 'Layla'. She married Rod Weston in 2015.

Photography and memoir

Boyd later pursued photography and exhibited her work. In 2007 she published her autobiography, Wonderful Today: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me, which chronicles her life and relationships.

Key facts

  • Pattie Boyd was born Patricia Anne Boyd on 17 March 1944 in Taunton, Somerset, England.
  • She became a prominent model in 1960s London, working with photographers like David Bailey and Terence Donovan.
  • Boyd married George Harrison in 1966 and Eric Clapton in 1979, both marriages ending in divorce.
  • She is associated with iconic songs, including George Harrison's 'Something' and Eric Clapton's 'Layla'.
  • Boyd later worked as a photographer and published her autobiography in 2007.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Pattie Boyd?
Pattie Boyd is an English former model and photographer best known for her 1960s modelling career and marriages to George Harrison and Eric Clapton.
What is Pattie Boyd's real name?
Her birth name is Patricia Anne Boyd.
Who was Pattie Boyd married to?
She was married to George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and later Rod Weston.
Why is Pattie Boyd famous in music history?
She is associated with songs inspired by her, including George Harrison's 'Something' and Eric Clapton's 'Layla'.
Did Pattie Boyd work only as a model?
No. She also worked as a photographer and later published an autobiography.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattie_Boyd
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, occupation, marriages, and divorce dates.
  2. National Portrait Gallery — https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp61801/patricia-ann-pattie-boyd
    Supports: Modelling career, meeting George Harrison, inspiration for 'Something' and 'Layla', and autobiography.
  3. Cavern Club — https://www.cavernclub.com/beatleweek-bands-guest-speakers/pattie-boyd/
    Supports: Early life, modelling prominence, meeting George Harrison, and later photography.
  4. Beatles Bible — https://www.beatlesbible.com/people/pattie-boyd/
    Supports: Birth details, modelling start, and meeting George Harrison.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0101876/
    Supports: Marriage to Rod Weston and earlier marriages.