Tribute to Sir Ernest Hall

We are very sad to announce the passing of one of our honorary vice-presidents, Sir Ernest Hall.

"TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a distinguished entrepreneur, pianist, and composer. Sir Ernest Hall - who once owned the historic 16th-century Royds Hall in Bradford and restored it to its former glory - died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday. He was best-known for his remarkable restoration of Dean Clough in Halifax. Sir Ernest was born in Bolton on March 19, 1930, to Ernest and Mary Hall, both millworkers. From a young age, he exhibited a prodigious talent for music, leading him to attend the Royal Manchester College of Music from 1947 to 1951.

He also collaborated with Vivien Duffield on the development of Eureka!, a national museum for children in Halifax. In 1980, Sir Ernest separated from June and married Sarah Wellby, with whom he had another son, Leopold. Despite his numerous business endeavours, Sir Ernest never abandoned his love for music. He recorded the entire works of Bela Bartok at 65, Chopin at 70 and Busoni at 73, and he composed two piano sonatas. Sir Ernest was widely recognised for his contributions to the arts and business. He was knighted for services to the arts in 1993, and received the Albert Medal in 1994 and the Mont Blanc Culture Award in 1996. He served as chair of Yorkshire Arts, chair of Northern Ballet and sat on the National Arts Council. Additionally, he was a Freeman of Calderdale and received 12 honorary doctorates." - Michael Broomhead

My father was a remarkable, memorable, enigmatic and charismatic human being. He had an energy and zest for life which was irrepressible. He was still planning for what he was yet to achieve, his ambitions and aspirations undiminished by his growing years. We shared a love of work, music and family. He was a veritable force of nature and will be sorely missed by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

His eldest son Jeremy, Dean Clough's managing director, paid tribute to his late father.

My father was an inspirational man who leaves behind a rich and diverse legacy. I am incredibly proud to have been able to call him my father. I will miss him enormously.

His eldest daughter Virginia Lloyd, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and a former High Sheriff of West Yorkshire.