Marjorie Ziff

Marjorie Esther Ziff MBE (née Morrison; 26 May 1929 – 3 April 2023) was a British philanthropist recognised for her contributions to the Jewish community in Leeds. She was the wife of businessperson and philanthropist Arnold Ziff.

Career

Ziff supported many local and international groups through charitable donations and was a trustee of the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Charitable Foundation, founded in 1966.[1][2] She was a life patron of the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board, and an honorary graduate and longstanding friend of the University of Leeds.[3][4][5] Marjorie and her husband Arnold began supporting the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1981.[6] Marjorie was the President of The Friends of Roundhay Park, a charitable organisation formed in 1994, which is dedicated to the preservation of Roundhay Park in Leeds.[7][8] She has also acted as a representative for the Yorkshire Evening Post in local competitions and award ceremonies.[9]

Buildings

On 29 May 1964, her 35th birthday, Marjorie opened Merrion Centre, Leeds. In 2019, on the 55th anniversary of its opening, she returned there to open a month-long exhibition about the building.[10] The Centre has frequently been used as a location for the local school Variety Club in order to benefit disabled and disadvantaged students.[11]

In 2005, the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Community Centre was opened in Moortown in recognition of their contributions made to the Jewish community in Leeds.[12]

In 2006, the University of Leeds announced that the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building would be funded by a substantial donation from the family foundation and businesses, in memory of Arnold Ziff, who had died in 2004.[13] In 2009, Marjorie opened this building, on her 80th birthday.[14][15]

In 2007, Leeds Art Gallery was refurbished and the Queen's Gallery was renamed the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Gallery in recognition of their patronage of the arts.[16]

In July 2008, Tropical World in Leeds was renamed The Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World to recognise their significant financial contribution.[17][18]

Personal life and death

Marjorie and Arnold Ziff were married for 52 years and had three children together; Ann, Michael and Edward.[19] They had 13 grandchildren.

Ziff died on 3 April 2023, at the age of 93.[20][21][22]

Honours and recognition

Ziff received an MBE in the 2011 New Year Honours for her services to the community in Leeds.[23][24]

In 2011 Frances Segelman, known for her sculptures of celebrities, made a bronze sculpture of Ziff.[25]

The University of Leeds awarded Ziff an honorary doctorate of laws (LL.D.) on 14 July 2005, describing her as "a staunch supporter of the city" and "a longstanding supporter and friend of the University".[5][26]

References
  1. "Community celebrates Honours". www.thejc.com. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  2. "THE MARJORIE & ARNOLD ZIFF CHARITABLE FOUNDATION - Charity 249368". register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk.
  3. "Join the Fellowship – Leeds Jewish Welfare Board". ljwb.co.uk. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  4. "New Years Honours for Leeds". Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.
  5. "University honours travel writer". 14 December 2004 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  6. Waterman, Fanny (1 November 2015). My Life In Music. Faber Music Ltd. ISBN 978-0-571-59002-5.
  7. "Who's Who – Friends of Roundhay Park". Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  8. "Treasured gardens for all in city given recognition". Yorkshire Post. 22 June 2005. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  9. "Win Pounds 1,000 in art competition for Leeds shopping centre". The Weekly News. 9 April 2014.
  10. "Leeds' oldest shopping centre, The Merrion Centre marks 55 years since opening". www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  11. "Sunshine coach will brighten up school trips". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. 30 July 2010. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  12. "About LJWB – Leeds Jewish Welfare Board". ljwb.co.uk.
  13. "Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building". www.leeds.ac.uk.
  14. "Benefactor's birthday celebration at iconic new building". www.leeds.ac.uk. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  15. Matthew, Riesz (4 June 2009). "Original features". Times Higher Education. No. 1899. p. 16. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  16. Sheard, David. "Art Gallery, Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Gallery". www.leodis.net. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  17. "The Lakeside Café, Roundhay". thelakesidecafe.co.uk. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  18. "City tourist attraction renamed to honour philanthropist family". Yorkshire Post. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  19. Wainwright, Martin (29 July 2004). "Obituary: Arnold Ziff". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  20. Morris, Georgina (5 April 2023). "Tributes paid to Leeds philanthropist Dr Marjorie Ziff who leaves a 'legacy that will never be forgotten'". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  21. "Marjorie Esther Ziff death notice". The Times. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  22. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/tributes-paid-to-leeds-philanthropist-dr-marjorie-ziff-who-leaves-a-legacy-that-will-never-be-forgotten-4094158
  23. "Philanthropist on the receiving end". www.yorkshirepost.co.uk. 30 December 2010.
  24. McSmith, Andy (31 December 2010). "The stars of Cameron's Big Society dominate New Year Honours list". The Independent. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  25. Kalmus, Jonathan (4 March 2011). "Leeds is a model of artistry". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  26. "Local benefaction and global thinking recognised at Leeds". University of Leeds. 13 July 2005. Archived from the original on 27 October 2005. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
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