Born in Hong Kong in 1954, Sir David Tang came to The Perse aged 13. He went on to King’s College London to read Philosophy and then Law.

After starting a career as a solicitor, Sir David went on to found the Shanghai Tang fashion chain, which he sold in 2006 to the Swiss luxury brand holding company Richemont. His other interests included the China Clubs (Hong Kong, Peking and Singapore), Havana House, the Pacific Cigar Company, the Cipriani in Hong Kong and the China Tang restaurant at the Dorchester, London.

A fervent supporter of philanthropy and the Arts, Sir David was knighted in the 2008 New Years’ Honours. He was also honoured by the French Government as Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2005, and received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Art and Design at the Asian Awards in 2014.

Sir David wrote a lighthearted ‘Agony Uncle’ column for the Financial Times, and wrote his own obituary for them when he was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on 29 August 2017.