Obituary – Sir Nicholas Goodison (C3 1947-52)

Sir Nicholas Goodison (C3 1947-52) will be remembered for a distinguished career in the City, notably for undertaking the reforms to the London Stock Exchange, known as ‘Big Bang’ and as a passionate supporter of the arts.

After securing the future of the stock exchange, Goodison became chair of TSB Group, the sixth largest high street bank and then vice-chair of Lloyds Bank after its merger with TSB. He was also a vice-chair of British Steel and a director of General Accident.

He held important positions in the art world including the chairmanship of the management board to the Courtauld Institute, served as vice-chairman of English National Opera (1980–98) and as chairman of the National Art Collections Fund, now Art Fund (1986–2002), He retained a lifelong interest in museum collections and their importance to cultural life in the UK, becoming a prolific donor of works of art to museums. He was appointed Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in 1990.

He was a member of Marlborough College Council from 1980 – 1987. Edward Gould, Master 1993 – 2004, paid tribute to him: ‘Nicholas Goodison was a most valuable member of Council. He took a strong interest in the artistic and creative aspects of the College and was very willing to support on a broad front the affairs of the College. In particular he played a formidable role to the College’s benefit when Barings Bank ran into difficulties in the 1990s.’

He is survived by his widow Judith, their son, Adam (C3 1978-83) and daughters, Katharine (B3 1979-81) and Rachel (B3 1984-86).

Full obituaries can be found on the following websites

The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Crafts Council (subscriptions will be needed to view the Times and Telegraph).