Past Master Ray Leigh MBE 6 June 1928 – 13 March 2025

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Past Master Ray Leigh MBE on 13 March 2025.

Ray had been a member of the Company since 1970 and was Master from 1995-1996. Ray worked for the Gordon Russell Company from 1951 and was instrumental in setting up the Gordon Russell Trust which led to the creation of the Gordon Russell Design Museum which opened in Broadway in 2008.

In addition, he provided outstanding support to students at Rycotewood Furniture Centre involved with the very successful Gordon Russell Project, which has been run in conjunction with William Hands and the Company for many years.

His contribution to the Gordon Russell Company and to furniture design is documented in several self-authored books, his last book, titled A Change of Direction, was published in 2018. Ray was also awarded an MBE for Services to Design and Industry.

In 2021, David Woodward, the incumbent Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, surprised Ray with a visit at his home where he presented him with a wooden box, which was made by Rycotewood student Neil McRory, commemorating 50 years of membership.

Remembering Ray, Past Master Hugh Garforth- Bles, said: “Ever since 2006, whenever I think of Ray, I remember how – when I was preparing my Five-Year Plan for the Company – I wrote to every member of the Court for their thoughts. Ray responded with a single, crisp page: 10 clear, succinct, and perfectly judged points. Every one of them was spot on. He was a quiet man of great charm, impeccable design sense, and rare foresight – an exceptionally sound and reliable elder statesman, and truly one of our great Masters.”

Past Master Christopher Claxton-Stevens said: “Ray was a kind, quietly spoken and gentle man, whom I regarded as a good friend.  He had a distinctive writing style, always in black ink, and always sent designer cards. His interest in the Company continued long after his retirement.”

Past Master Martin Jourdan said: “Ray Leigh was a renaissance man. He trained as an architect, was the doyen of furniture designers, was a hotelier as chairman of The Lygon Arms and was utterly charming, kind and generous.

“As Master he recognised that if the views of the furniture industry were to be listened to by government, the furniture industry needed to come together in a formal organisation. This was the genesis of The British Furniture Confederation which, with the active support of Members of Parliament created the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Group.”

His funeral will take place at 11.00am on Thursday 17 April at The Vale Crematorium, Evesham Rd, Fladbury, Pershore WR10 2QR (just off the A44).  Please contact  friends@gordonrusselldesignmuseum.org  if you plan on attending.