Wilfred Dean (c.1888-1949)

Wilfred Dean was the chairman of Messrs. W. H. Dean and Son Ltd., gas-boiler and washing-machine manufacturers, founded by his father.

He was appointed as a co-opted member of the Art Gallery and Museum sub-committee in December 1924. He first became Hon. Secretary on June 22nd, 1933 but resigned in October 1934 due business commitments. He continued as a co-opted member and took up the post once more in November 1936 and continued in that role up to November 1947, being the last to hold that post. He donated over 30 watercolours and six oil paintings between 1924 and 1940. In 1936, at his suggestion, a collection of 68 pieces of Chinese pottery was purchased, the first such purchase of ceramics by the museum.

He died in March 1949. There was an obituary in the Burnley Express of Saturday, March 19th 1949, page 3 col. 5.