Tributes paid to Leeds philanthropist Dr Marjorie Ziff who leaves a 'legacy that will never be forgotten'

A long-standing supporter of her adopted home city of Leeds, she was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List in 2010 for her extensive charitable work. This included significant donations made to city institutions and organisations through the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Charitable Foundation, set up in the names of her and her late husband.

Born in Glasgow on May 26 1929, Dr Ziff was married to the businessman Arnold Ziff, who inherited the Stylo shoe empire – later renamed Barratts – and Town Centre Securities (TCS) in 1959. Among the company’s most significant developments is the Merrion Centre in Leeds, which Dr Ziff officially opened on her 35th birthday in 1964. She returned to the centre in 2019 – at the age of 90 – to use the very same key to mark its 55th anniversary.

She had played a pivotal role in the creation of TCS alongside her husband and continued to dedicate her life to their philanthropic work following his death in 2004. It included support for visitor and cultural attractions in the city such as Tropical World and Leeds Art Gallery.

On behalf of the family and TCS, son Edward Ziff said: “May I express my gratitude for the support we have received following the passing of my mother. Our family have been comforted by the kind words we have received at this sad time.

“Her contribution and devotion to the city and community of Leeds has been inspiring and is a quality that we – her children, grandchildren and, I am sure, her great-grandchildren – will endeavour to continue.”

Dr Ziff was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Leeds in 2005 and returned in 2007 for a turf-cutting ceremony as work began on the university’s £16m Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building.

An accomplished pianist and former vice-president of the university’s music department, she was a major supporter of many projects including Leeds International Pianoforte Competition and the restoration appeal for Leeds Parish Church. She was also a president of the Friends of Roundhay Park.

Professor Simone Buitendijk, vice-chancellor and president at the University of Leeds, said: “Marjorie’s enduring support of the university leaves a profound and permanent legacy.

“Our thoughts are with Marjorie’s family at this sad time, but we also celebrate her dedication, spirit and generosity.”

In the same year that she received her doctorate, Dr Ziff became the first woman president of the Yorkshire Clubs for Young People. The royal sculptor, Frances Segelman, even crafted her likeness in 2011.

Dr Ziff died on Monday April 3. She is survived by her children – Edward, who is chairman and chief executive of TCS; Michael Ziff, who serves as a non-executive director, and Ann Manning. She also leaves behind grandchildren, some of whom play active roles in managing the family business. They including Ben Ziff, managing director of CitiPark and TCS Energy, and Charlotte-Daisy Leeming, TCS’s head of environmental, social and governance. The family have asked for privacy at this time.