Sydney Renée Courtauld

Sydney Renée Courtauld was a British suffragist, philanthropist and member of the Courtauld Family, known for her contributions to the women's suffrage movement and her involvement in social reform initiatives.

Early life and education

Sydney Renée Courtauld was born in 1873 in Bocking, Essex, to Sarah Lucy Sharpe, an advocate for education reform, and Sydney Courtauld, a Justice of the Peace and silk manufacturer.
Courtauld was raised in the Unitarian household which placed emphasis on social reform and suffrage.
From 1892–1894, Courtauld studied at Newnham College, Cambridge.

Suffrage movement

Sydney Renée Courtauld played an active role in the women's suffrage movement. She was affiliated with organizations such as the Mid Bucks Suffrage Society and the London Society for Women's Suffrage. In 1913, she served as secretary of the North and East Essex branch of the National Union of [Women's Suffrage Societies], advocating for women's voting rights through non-militant methods. Her family had a long history of supporting suffrage; two relatives signed the first mass suffrage petition to Parliament in 1866.

Philanthropy

Renée inherited significant wealth following her parents' deaths, which allowed her to dedicate herself to philanthropy without financial constraints. She contributed to causes such as animal welfare and education. Her will included donations to animal welfare charities, and she left her house and property to the National Trust.

Personal life

Sydney Renée Courtauld never married. She lived with her younger sister Catharine Courtauld at Bocken, their Arts and Crafts-style home in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. The sisters hosted events such as garden parties to raise funds for suffrage campaigns.
On the 26 February 1962, Courtauld died aged 89 in Weymouth, Dorset.