MORRIS WILLIAM: (1877-1963) 1st Viscount Nuffield. British Automobile Manufacturer, Engineer and Philanthropist.
A.L.S., W. R. Morris, one page, 4to, Oxford, 24th November 1906, to some unidentified gentlemen, on the printed stationery of 'W.R. Morris, Motor and Cycle Engineer. Contractor to His Majesty's Government'. Morris writes a letter of testimonial, stating, in full, 'F. Poulter has been with me for the past two years and I have always found him industrious, straightforward and quick at his work. He leaves me through slackness of work.' An early letter, written from one of the first premises Morris operated from. Some extremely light, minor foxing and some very slight age wear to the edges, otherwise VG


Morris was the British equivalent of America's Henry Ford, manufacturing cars in mass production whilst acquiring other car companies on the way. Among the cars made by his company were the Morris Minor (launched in 1948). William Morris became the richest man in the United Kingdom, giving away over £30m of his fortune (equivalent to £700m in today). He donated millions to medical research and founded Nuffield College, Oxford. As well as being recognised as a major figure in Britain's motor industry, Morris was one of the greatest philanthropists of modern times, using much of his wealth towards the development of medical equipment and hospitals.