Henry Sanderson Furniss, 1st Baron Sanderson

Like his eldest sister May, Furniss was discovered to be blind from a very young age, possibly as a result of ophthalmia neonatorum at the time of his birth.

Fortunately, private tutoring (made possible by his family's wealth) allowed him to gain an education that led ultimately to a distinguished academic career in economics.

After leaving university, Furniss spent several years working with the Bristol Charity Organization Society, an organisation that his father also supported, in London.

On 18 June 1930, Furniss was created Baron Sanderson, of Hunmanby, in the County of York,[3] in recognition of his distinguished career in education.

In October 1938, Furniss supported the Conservative candidate at the Oxford City by-election, when the Munich Agreement was the predominant issue.