Sir John Davis
Sir John Davis was chairman of the Westminster Abbey Trust from 1973-1985, the organisation which raised millions for the restoration of the exterior of Westminster Abbey and later the interior of the Lady Chapel. His coat of arms appears in the lower panels of the west window of this chapel, unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995. It was designed by John Lawson.
Sir John was born on 10th November 1906 in London and worked for the Rank Organisation (which own a cinema chain) and was its President from 1977-1983. In 1971 he was knighted and was co-founder of the firm Rank Xerox. He was married three times - one of his wives was actress Dinah Sheridan. He died on 27th May 1993.
There is also a carved head of Sir John high up on the exterior of the apse of the Abbey, together with other members of the Trust and workmen concerned in the restoration.
This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster
