To mark 200 years since the foundation in Liverpool of John Swire (later ‘& Sons’), 43 descendants of John Samuel Swire (and their partners) gathered in the city in April. The party visited a number of sites connected with the 19th century Swires, learned about the city’s commercial origins and enjoyed a celebration banquet.

On the itinerary was a visit to the house at No. 33 Hope Street, Liverpool, once occupied by the founder of the Swire group, John Swire (1793-1847) and by his son John Samuel Swire (1825-1898), who established the firm in Asia and Australia and also founded its shipping interests. Pictured in front of the recently installed English Heritage blue plaque marking the Swire connection with the house are Swire group Honorary President and former Chairman, Sir Adrian Swire, with four current JS&S directors: his nephews, Jonathan and Barnaby Swire (Chairman) and sons Merlin (CEO) and Sam.