| abstract | - Ralph Edgar Perring (23 March 1905 - 28 June 1998), knighted in 1960 and known as Sir Ralph Perring, 1st Baronet, of Frensham Manor in the County of Surrey from 1963 was a businessman and local politician. Born in Richmond, Surrey, he was the son of Colonel Sir John Ernest Perring, a furniture manufacturer and freeman of the City of London. Educated at University College School, Hampstead. At the age of 17 he entered the family business, eventually opening a number of new stores in the developing suburbs. Although he obtained a commission in a Territorial unit of the Royal Artillery, his war service was cut short in 1940 by pneumonia. Instead the Perring's furniture factories were used for production of components for aircraft radios while the shops sold second hand furniture. After the war Perring was asked by the Board of Trade to help with the import of "utility furniture" to furnish newly built homes. He was deeply involved in City politics: he was Master of the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers for 1944–45, a member of the Common Council for Cripplegate Ward from 1948-51, an alderman representing Langbourn Ward from 1951-75, and from 1952-55 represented the Cities of London and Westminster on the London County Council as a Conservative Party councillor. He was Sheriff of the City of London in 1958-59 and was knighted in the New Years Honours 1960. He was Lord Mayor of London for 1962-63 and was created a baronet at the end of his term of office. He was Master of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers for 1977–78. He was a founder member of the Furniture Makers Guild in 1952 of which he was Master for 1955-56. The Guild became a livery company in 1962. In 1968 the two companies founded by his father and uncle: William Perring and John Perring were merged to become Perring's Furnishings. He was chairman of the company until 1981.
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