Probate documents have revealed that Bernard Lewis, the founder of River Island, left an estate worth £40 million when he died earlier this year at the age of 100. The documents set out how the retail mogul wanted his estate divided.
Estate valued at £40 million
Mr Lewis died on February 28. The documents show his estate was valued at £40,399,022, with a net value of £37,047,55. He left his share of the family home and all personal belongings to his wife Vanessa.
Declaration on children's shares
The will contained a declaration explaining why some of his children had not been left a larger share. It stated: "I wish my children Leonard Richard Lewis ('Leonard'), Clive and Caroline Jane Grainge ('Caroline') to know that the reason I have not left them a greater part of my estate is not from any want of affection by me for them but purely because I have otherwise provided for them during my lifetime."
Mr Lewis is survived by his wife Vanessa, four sons Leonard, Clive, Sam and Jake, and daughter Caroline.
Tribute from River Island
Following his death, a River Island spokesperson told Drapers in March: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bernard Lewis, one of the great pioneers of British retail, at the age of 100. Bernard's life was defined by hard work, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the business he built from the ground up."
Career and legacy
Born in London in 1926, Mr Lewis began his business career by opening a greengrocer in 1946. He later moved into fashion retail, opening a womenswear outlet in Hackney before expanding and relaunching the brand as Chelsea Girl. The business branched into menswear during the 1980s and underwent another rebrand, creating River Island as a unisex retail brand. The company opened its first overseas stores in 1993 and was among the earliest brands to trade online. By 2004, River Island had 220 stores and a turnover of £540 million, and was crowned Multiple of the Year at the Drapers Awards. The following year, Mr Lewis received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
