Themes

A family business

It is said that the Sainsburys' initial ambition for their business was to open one shop for each of their children.

John and Mary Ann had 12 children, and their six sons all went on to play a part in shaping the family business.

  • Mary Ann, died at birth in 1869
  • John Benjamin, b. 1871, d. 1956
  • George, b. 1872, d. 1964
  • Alice, b. 1876, d. 1924
  • Frank, b. 1877, d. 1955
  • Louise, b. 1878, d. ?
  • Arthur, b. 1880, d. 1962
  • Lillian, b. 1882, d. 1956
  • Alfred, b. 1884, d. 1965
  • Elsie, b. 1885, d. 1966
  • Dorothy Maud, b. 1889, d. ?
  • Paul James, b. 1890, d. 1982

Throughout Sainsbury’s history family members have played important roles in the development of the company. Today Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG is Life President and although not directly involved with the management of the business, the Sainsbury family maintains a close interest in Sainsbury’s


John James Sainsbury with his six sons, c.1900


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