In tribute: Michael Oglesby (1939 – 2019)

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Michael Oglesby CBE, former Chair of the College’s Board of Governors and an RNCM Honorary Member, on Wednesday 21 November at the age of 80.

Born in Scunthorpe in 1939, Michael moved to Manchester in 1970 and in 1976 founded Bruntwood, one of the UK’s most successful private property businesses.

Together with his wife Jean, Michael was a leading philanthropist in the region, establishing the Oglesby Charitable Trust in 2000. To date, the Trust has supported more than 300 charities and donated over £16 million.

The RNCM was a significant beneficiary of Michael’s philanthropy and our institution would not be the place it is today without the ongoing and loyal support it has received via the Oglesby Charitable Trust. For almost 20 years the Trust has supported over 50 students, funding scholarships and enabling them to buy instruments, and in 2014 it played a crucial role in the redevelopment of the RNCM Concert Hall.

Michael was Chairman of the RNCM Board of Governors between 2006 and 2011, and in 2004 was made an Honorary Member of the College.

Professor Linda Merrick, Principal, said: ‘We were all so deeply saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. He played such an important role in the life of College for many years, as Chair of the Board and as an independent supporter of our young musicians. He will be much missed by everyone here. Our thoughts are with Jean, Chris and Kate at this sad time.’

22 November 2019