Max Rayne

It was a modest but cultured home – his grandfather had been a Hebrew scholar and teacher and his father had a lively interest in music, opera and conversation.

Max was educated at the nearby religious, but non-denominational, Central Foundation Boys' School, Bow.

Max studied psychology and accountancy and took a night school course in law at University College, London (which later gave him an honorary doctorate).

Using sub-leases on its premises as his source of finance, he directed his attention to land and property development in bomb-damaged central London.

He was soon on the governing bodies of most of the London teaching hospitals, where his business skills were highly valued, and prominent Jewish charities.