Alexander Stockton Cussons

Alexander Stockton Cussons (1914–1986). Born in Salford, England to Alexander Tom Cussons (1875–1951) and his wife Emily Jane Cussons (née Kidd, 1875–1957). Alexander was the Chairman of Cussons Group, the largest independent soap manufacturer in Britain. Alexander continued manufacturing of the famous brand Cussons Imperial Leather, and many other products under the Cussons label, including 1001 Carpet Cleaner.

Career

Alexander worked at the Cussons Company from 1931 until his retirement in 1968. Before becoming chairman of the main Cussons Company Alexander was chairman of the South African subsidiary. South Africa was the first overseas market for the Cussons brand. In 1963 Alexander succeeded his brother Leslie to become chairman of the Cussons Company. As chairman Alexander established new factories in Jamaica and Ethiopia.

In 1968 Alexander suffered a heart attack which he survived. Subsequently he retired as Chairman of Cussons and moved to Durban, South Africa. This marked the end of a line of family chairmen which went back for almost eighty years.

Alexander chose as his successor Michael Bucks. Michael Bucks was well qualified for the position. He had extensive experience in company finance, having served as a director for the Rothschild family business.^[1]

Alexander became a director of several companies following his retirement from Cussons, including the Sylko Paper Company, manufacturing cards, paper and table products.

Interests

Alexander had many interests, one of which was historic ships and he commissioned a collection of ship models by Donald McNarry. McNarry took eight years to build the collection which featured ships that had sailed round the South African Cape. The collection was put on public display in the Maritime Museum, Cape Town, South Africa,^[2] but can now be found in the City Museum, Durban, South Africa.

Alexander had a large collection of Chinese snuff bottles from the Qing Dynasty, which were featured in a number of publications.^[3]

Alexander was also interested in Roman history, and was involved in fundraising for reconstruction efforts on Hadrian's Wall.^[4]

Residence

Alexander whilst Chairman of Cussons resided at Parkdale, Altrincham Cheshire,^[5] now the head office of the Vegetarian Society. Following his retirement from Cussons Alexander moved to Dalcrue Farm, Natal, South Africa.

References

1. ↑ The Times, July 31, 1968 "From One Family to Another" at page 21
2. ↑ McNarry, D. (1975). Ship Models in miniature. Devon: David & Charles Limited.
3. ↑ Moss, H. (1964). Chinese Snuff Bottles No. 1
4. ↑ The Times, April 7, 1964 "Fort Planned for Near Hadrian’s Wall" at page 15
5. ↑ The Times, June 13, 1968