Sir Isaac Wolfson 1st Baron Wolfson of Marylebone

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Biography of Sir Isaac Wolfson 1st Baron Wolfson of Marylebone

Sir Isaac Wolfson

Sir Isaac Wolfson (1897-1991), 1st Baron Wolfson of Marylebone, was the Chairman of Great Universal Stores. In 1955, with his wife and son, he founded the Wolfson Foundation which specialised in providing charitable assistance for major projects in health and education. The Foundation has supported many prestigious developments at the University, including Wolfson Hall, opened in 1965, and the Wolfson Medical Building which opened in 2002. He was awarded a honorary Doctor of Laws from the University in 1963.

Born in Glasgow, Wolfson left school at the age of 14 and became a salesman in England. He joined the mail order company that became Great Universal Stores and acquired a majority shareholding in 1932. The company became one of Britain's leading retailers and Wolfson served as its Chairman from 1946 until 1986, and from then until his death as vice-chairman with his son Leonard.

Wolfson became a baronet in 1962 and was made a Freeman of the City of Glasgow in 1971.

Summary

Sir Isaac Wolfson 1st Baron Wolfson of Marylebone
Businessman and Philanthropist
Born 17 September 1897.
Died 20 June 1991.
University Link: Benefactor, Honorary Graduate
GU Degrees: LLD, 1963;
Occupation categories: retailers
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Record last updated: 6th Mar 2014