Obituary: Sir Philip Shelbourne

Philip Shelbourne, lawyer and financier: born 15 June 1924; Barrister specialising in taxation 1951-62; Partner, NM Rothschild & Sons 1962-70; Chief Executive, Drayton Corporation 1971-72; Chairman, Drayton Group and Drayton Corporation 1973-74; Chairman and Chief Executive, Samuel Montagu & Co 1974- 80; Chairman and Chief Executive, BNOC 1980-82; Chairman, Britoil 1982-88; Kt 1984; Deputy Chairman, Panel on Take-overs and Mergers 1987- 91; Chairman, Henry Ansbacher Holdings 1988-91; died Salisbury 15 April 1993.

THE SUCCESS which Philip Shelbourne achieved during his 10 years at the Revenue Bar, between 1951 and 1962, is legendary, write Sir David Hirst, Sir Brian Neill and Sir Michael Nolan.

His formidable intellect and his gift for clarity of expression made him an ideal exponent of the intricacies of Tax Law. In 1962 he conducted an appeal in the House of Lords, a rare distinction then as now for a junior barrister. By the end of his 10 years in practice the list of his professional clients and of the main public companies and distinguished individuals from whom he held general retainers would have matched that of any leading silk. He may have been envied by some, but no one could question his outstanding ability nor his thoughtfulness and generosity towards those less gifted or less fortunate than himself. Although he brought a fresh approach to the practice of the law he was a traditionalist at heart and took pride in the professional standards of the Bar. He was a man of the highest integrity, and demanded complete honesty and truthfulness from his clients in their dealings with the Inland Revenue. His move to NM Rothschild & Sons was not wholly unexpected, for he was showing signs of impatience with the role of adviser, and a desire to test his dynamic skills in the world of action. The Bar's loss was the City's gain.

His great personal qualities endeared him to his many friends. In private life he always showed great kindness to both young and old and gave help where it was specially needed in the most unobtrusive way. Having no immediate family of his own he particularly enjoyed the company of young people, with whom he was always at ease.

His deep love and knowledge of music was central to his life and led to close friendships with some of the outstanding musicians of his day, notably Sir Georg Solti. Nowhere was he happier than at Covent Garden, usually sharing his enjoyment with friends.

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