THE life of one of Malvern’s greatest benefactors is recounted in a new book by a keen local historian.

“The Quiet Hero”, by John Handley, tells the life story of Charles William Dyson Perrins, who he describes as a “remarkable personality”.

Noting that the last noteworthy publication on Dyson Perrins came out almost 30 years ago in 1983, Mr Handley, of Cradley, set about researching his subject.

“C W Dyson Perrins was someone that I was able to get enthusiastic about and who I felt had perhaps been a bit neglected previously,” he said. “I think a large part of that comes down to the way that he went about his business without any thought of publicity. He gave so much money away and yet was so modest and quiet, and that is what gave me the idea for the title of the book.”

The son of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce factory owner James, two of C W Dyson Perrins’ most noteworthy acts were to save the Royal Worcester Porcelain factory from closure and to donate the land and buildings for Malvern’s former community hospital in Lansdowne Crescent.

He was also a major benefactor of Worcester’s Royal Grammar School and a collector of rare manuscripts, paintings and porcelain - leading to many outstanding gifts to the nation’s museums and art galleries.

“To do justice to his remarkable personality is not simple, but the adjectives kind, calm, modest, thoughtful, shrewd and courageous spring to mind,” said Mr Handley. “Inheriting great wealth is one thing but knowing how to use it for the public good is a rare quality. He was heroic in the sense that he unhesitatingly gave most of his money away to any cause that he thought was worthwhile.

“He was certainly still comfortable when he died, but the millions that he had inherited were gone.”

The Quiet Hero contains 24 illustrations and a forward by Henry Sandon. It is published by Malvern company Aspect Design, priced £5.95, and is available to order from bookshops, Malvern Tourist Information Centre and on amazon.co.uk.