Blond was a generous benefactor to the College, in conjunction with his relatives in the Marks family. He had made his wealth as a textile manufacturer in Manchester, and also served with distinction in both world wars, and as a public servant in influential positions in Whitehall, Paris, Washington and Ottawa. Blond was born at Hull, Yorkshire on 11 February 1896 and educated at Manchester Grammar School. He served in France 1914-18, reaching the rank of Major, Royal Horse Guards, and winning the Croix de Guerre avec Palme and appointment as Officier, Légion d'Honneur. He served as a Wing Commander in RAF Fighter Command 1940-42, and subsequently with the Ministry of Production and the Board of Trade. He was a Vice-President of the British Legion for the North-West area 1933-48. He was United Kingdom Trade Adviser in the United States 1948-49, honorary trade adviser to the Board of Trade on North American exports 1949-51, and special trade adviser to the British High Commissioner in Canada. He was created OBE and CMG for his services. Blond was a Past Master of the Company of Pattenmakers and a Freeman of the City of London. In recognition of his benefactions Blond was elected an Honorary Fellow of the College. He died on 4 August 1970 aged 74, survived by his wife Elaine, daughter of Michael Marks, and by his two sons of his first marriage. One of his sons, Anthony Blond, undertook publication of *A History of the Royal College of Surgeons of England*, written by Sir Zachary Cope, in 1959.