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Rolf Cunliffe (1899–1963), 2nd Baron Cunliffe of Headley (The Rt Hon. The Lord Cunliffe)
The Rt Hon Lord Cunliffe inherited his title from his father Walter, who, together with his two brothers founded the bank, Cunliffe Brothers. He was Governor of the Bank of England. He was created a Baron in 1914. Rolf Cunliffe was on the board of Guy’s hospital from 1932 to 1963 and acted as Governor, Treasurer and Chairman.
Rolf Cunliffe was one of the most influential second-generation Chinese antique art collectors in mid-20th century Britain. His collection generally came from collections that were already renowned at the time. Lord Rolf's residence in London was just a few steps away from Bluett and Sons and John Sparks. He made his first purchase of desired items on November 30, 1944, and subsequently acquired over 400 pieces of Chinese antique art. Lord Rolf became a member of the Oriental Ceramic Society of London in 1946 and was appointed an honorary curator of the Oriental Art Department at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, in 1960. After Lord Rolf's passing, Bluett and Sons appraised the Chinese art items in his estate and subsequently sold them between 1971 and 1973.
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