Jack Blake

Despite three appearances in the épée at the Olympics from 1908-20, Jack Blake never once progressed beyond the opening pool stage. He did enjoy some memorable moments in the sport, however, including winning the national épée title in 1911, and in 1921 he was a member of the Great Britain team that travelled to the United States for the match against their American counterparts for the American Challenge Cup.

Blake was an all-round sportsman and played water polo for London, and was also a fine amateur boxer. During World War I, he was in charge of a section of the High Explosives Department of the Ministry of Munitions. He showed a lot of interest in the Arts, and was governor of both the Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells, as well as being a member of the Council of the Royal Albert Hall and a trustee of the National Theatre. Additionally, Blake was a governor of the Dulwich College Foundation, the Imperial College of Science, and the Regent Street Polytechnic. He presented the bronze statue “L’Escrimeur” to the men’s fencing club at the Polytechnic.

Blake was a member of the Port of London Authority for 18 years, and was a member of the London County Council for 23 years. He was chairman in 1942-43. Blake was also the Commissioner of Income Tax for the City of London from 1926.

An insurance broker and company manager in later life, Blake enjoyed writing, and his two novels A Lady’s Honour and The Money God were published at the turn of the 20th century. He also published a few books on furniture, including Chippendale and his School in 1921.