John John Pound

Background

The son of Henry Pound and Alfred Victor Allen, John married Harriet Lulham, daughter of Thomas Lulham, on 3 December 1856.

Education

After the death of Mr Tasker in 1857, Henry apprenticed his eldest son John and renamed the business Henry Pound & Son.

Career

The couple had six children: John (died after 6 months). Harriet; John; Annie. Jessie; and Percy. Sir John Pound died on 18 September 1915, aged 86.

Pound & Tasker was founded as a manufacturer high-quality trunks and packing cases, selling via a single manufacturing premises/shop.

After the death of his father in 1861, John renamed the business, and began building it into the biggest business of its kind in the United Kingdom. By 1871 the company had: three factories.

Eight distribution warehouses. And five shops in central London at Leadenhall Street, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Picadilly, and Tottenham Court Road.

Now, as well as luggage and dressing cases, the company made hunting bags, hat cases, writing cases and purses.

After he became Lord Mayor of London in 1904, John handed the business over to his two elder sons. Stuart Eggleton acquired the brand John Pound from John Lewis in 2013 its set to return to store"s shortly. As well as his successful business, Pound built up a series of civic positions.

This led to him becoming an Alderman of London between 1892 and 1915, for the Ward of Aldgate, and then a Lieutenant of the City of London.

Pound became a director of the London General Omnibus Company, and was its chairman for over 30 years. He oversaw the switch of London"s mass public transport from horse-drawn trams to self-propelled omnibuses.

On 29 September 1904, it was announced that he would replace Sir James Ritchie as Lord Mayor of London. On 3 August 1905, he was created 1st Baronet Pound, of Stanmore, Middlesex.

Achievements

• From foreign monarchies and governments, he received the following decorations: Grand Officer, Order of Isabella the Catholic of Spain Commander, Order of the Rising Sun of Japan Légion d"honneur Grand Officer, Order of Christ of Portugal.

Membership

A member of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, he became its master, as well as that of the Fan Makers and latterly the Fruiterers.

Connections

partnership:

John Lewis

Partner:

Henry Pound