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Neville Blond

Blond, Neville CMG OBE (1896-1970), Textile Manufacturer

Neville Blond was born in Hull, Yorkshire on 11 February 1896 to Bernard and Rachel Blond. He was educated at Manchester Grammar school and went on to further study in Switzerland. Blond joined the family textile manufacturing business in Manchester, where he worked until the outbreak of the First World War.

From 1914-18 Blond served in France. He was part of the cavalry regiment of the British army, the Royal Horse Guards and reached the rank of Major. Blond was distinguished twice by the French government for his valiant conduct. He was decorated with the Croix de Guerre avec Palme and became an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur, the highest French order for military merit. In addition Blond was offered a position as Liaison Officer for the Ministry of war in Paris where he worked from 1918-21.

Blond returned to the family business, named ‘Blond Brothers, Textile Manufacturers’, and worked alongside his brother Horace. The business had supplied military uniforms during the war. It also produced scarves and supplied underwear to Marks and Spencer.  

In 1927 Blond married Eileen Reba Nahum. They had two sons together, Anthony and Peter Blond. In 1944 Blond married to Elaine Marks. Elaine’s father, Michael Marks, was the cofounder of the Marks and Spencer chain.

Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Blond joined the RAF and served as a Wing Commander from 1940-42. Until the end of the war in 1945 he served at the Ministry of Production and the Board of Trade in London. In the same year he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his war time services.

Post-war, Blond worked as civil servant. His knowledge of trade and economics made him a well-qualified adviser. In 1947 he began working for the newly established Central Economic Planning Staff which was part of the Treasury. He worked as the UK Trade Adviser to the US and helped establish markets for UK produce.

Blond travelled to North America with his career. From 1949-1951 he worked as the Honorary Trade Adviser to Board of Trade on North American Exports in Washington. He was also Special Trade Adviser to the British High Commissioner in Canada. He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1950 for his services abroad.

In 1951 Blond returned to his textile business. Blond Brothers sold out to Emu Wool, of which Blond became chairman. He later resigned from his position to focus solely on his commitment to the English Stage Company (ESC). 

The newly founded ESC was in need of its first chairman. Blond’s influence and financial knowledge made him a highly desirable partner for the ESC. He was approached by Greville Poke (Secretary) and Ronald Duncan (Cofounder) and asked to join. They agreed that the ESC would be based at a London theatre and Blond helped to acquire the Royal Court Theatre, leased from Alfred Esdaile.

In November 1954 Blond became Chairman of the ESC and he remained Chairman until his death. He was central to the company’s decisions and in particular oversaw the company finances.

Blond died on 4 August 1970 aged 74. His wife, Elaine Blond, joined the ESC council after Blond’s death.