A SERIES of events and exhibitions will take place throughout July, commemorating 100 years since the death of Sir John Brunner.

One of the most influential figures in Northwich’s history, Brunner was a co-founder of Brunner Mond – which went on to become ICI and later Tata.

He was also Liberal MP for Northwich, and used his voice in Cheshire and Westminster to support important causes of the Victorian age, from free trade to better working conditions.

Born in Liverpool on February 8, 1842, Brunner rose to become general manager at alkali manufacturers John Hutchinson & Co in Widnes, where he met Ludwig Mond.

Northwich Guardian:

In 1873 the pair founded Brunner, Mond and Co in Northwich.

Brunner first became MP for Northwich in 1885, eventually serving at Westminster for 25 years. He was made a baronet in 1895 and died on July 1, 1919.

Brunner was also a generous benefactor whose gifts included the provision of schools, guildhalls, social clubs and more.

As well as events in Widnes and Winsford, various celebrations will take place in Northwich to mark the centenary of his death.

On Saturday, July 6, more than 140 descendants and admirers of Sir John will be gathering for a special lunch being held in the Brunner Hall of Sir John Deane's College.

The college is the successor to a grammar school for boys which Brunner re-endowed in the early 20th century on the condition that girls too would be allowed to attend.

The lunch is being hosted by former Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Sir Hugo Brunner, Georgina Dunlop and James Blyth – all Brunner descendants.

It will be preceded by a cruise on the River Weaver, aboard the ‘Edwin Clark’ – on a trip familiar to Sir John curling round the Brunner Mond works at Winnington Park, down to the historic centre of Northwich and back again.

On Monday, July 8, Brunner will be the focus of the Rotary Club of Northwich’s special speaker meeting from 11.45am until 2.30pm.

On Saturday, July 13, a pop-up exhibition will begin at Northwich Library, organised by Weaver Hall Museum and supported by the Northwich Arts Festival.

The museum worked with youth programmers Emily Harrison and Smriti Sivakumar to curate the exhibition, which will also feature items on display from the museum’s collection.

READ >>> Special speaker meeting to focus on Sir John Brunner

Sir John Brunner’s great-grandson Sir Hugo Brunner said: "Last October I visited Cheshire with two of my cousins to see whether there was still any local interest in our ancestor.

“We had a most encouraging response and decided to organise an unprecedented gathering of Brunner descendants in his home town of Northwich.

“Our aim is to celebrate his life and also visit many of the places with which he was associated.

“Sir John Brunner was an extraordinary man and influential pioneer of social justice in the Victorian age.

“We’re delighted that we are able to celebrate his life with such a huge family gathering, and excited that the public will have a chance to learn more about him at local events and exhibitions."