Maximilian Gustav Alfred Cecil Michaelis (born: 19 August 1913 - died: 3 May 1997), was an artist who also practised in glass and ceramics, and a philanthropist who encouraged crafts and design.
[2] Although his family wealth precluded a formal career, Michaelis worked tirelessly at his art, drawing and sculpture whilst dividing his time between France, South Africa and Great Britain.
In 1935 Sir Max Michaelis purchased Rycote Park near Thame in Oxfordshire, for Cecil's use while he was studying at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford.
[4] In the late 1930s his philanthropy established Rycotewood College in the nearby town of Thame as a school dedicated to developing skilled craftsmen.
In 2003 it merged with Oxford City College and the Rycote Furniture Centre courses were moved to Oxpens road.