The Quiet Hero : The Story of C W Dyson Perrins 1864-1958

This is the inspiring life story of a quiet unassuming man, Charles William Dyson Perrins. To do justice to his remarkable personality is not simple but the adjectives, kind, calm, modest, thoughtful, shrewd and courageous spring to mind. The booklet sets out to cover the events and influences in his life that served to develop his character.

What a story it turned out to be, businessman, soldier, philanthropist, public servant, collector and his greatest act, the decision to save Royal Worcester Porcelain. It was as though his life had been leading up to this climactic moment, that of coming to the rescue of the great porcelain factory at one of the most critical times in the nation's economic history. He not only saved the company but also the livelihood of several hundred craftsmen and women, the inheritors of over two hundred years of skill and tradition. His action was destined to keep the company going for another 74 years. Henry Sandon, in his foreword, speculates as to what Dyson would feel were he to learn what has since happened to the company. We can now see that at an age when most men would be looking to retire, Dyson sacrificed his own personal comfort by taking on extra responsibilities. Whilst it is true that he inherited considerable wealth, he used it with great skill not only at Lea &Perrins Worcestershire sauce and at Worcester Porcelain but also as a great collector of rare manuscripts, paintings and porcelain. Eventually this led to many outstanding gifts to the nation's museums and art galleries. His home town of Malvern also benefited greatly from his largesse, the community hospital in Lansdowne Crescent being the most outstanding example.

Inheriting great wealth is one thing but knowing how to use it for the public good is a rare quality. His ability to do this and run his business interests came from his ability to see the big picture and remain calm amidst a lot of turmoil. His love of Scotland was a source of great strength to him through his enjoyment of the great outdoors and his support for the local community; the origin of this lifelong interest coming through his marriage to his first wife, a Scottish lady from Inverness. Their generosity is still fondly remembered in NE Scotland, the area bounded by Ross & Cromarty. Another influence was that of his parents, this remained with him through his long life as did his strong Christian faith. He had the good fortune to find happiness with his second wife, Frieda who supported him throughout the economic crisis of the 1930s with her love, good sense and business acumen.

The booklet has 24 illustrations, 57pp and costs GBP5.95. It is available by order from most good bookshops.