April 1885: Death of Mr Henry Simson – A Director of the Helensburgh School of Art, and a Member the Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts Hanging Committee

An obituary on page two of The Helensburgh News, on Thursday the 16th of April, 1885, reads:

 

“DEATH OF MR HENRY SIMSON.

 

This much-respected gentleman died at his residence, The Mains, here, on Sunday evening, after

an illness of over two months. Mr Simson, who was a strong, healthy man, had a shock of paralysis

some two months ago, from which he never fairly recovered, and having had a second attack a

fortnight ago, he gradually became weaker, until death supervened. He was an ardent lover and great

connoisseur in art, was for a long time a member of the Hanging Committee in connection with the

Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, and was one of the directors of the Helensburgh School of Art. During

his residence in Helensburgh, which extended over a period of nine years, he was closely connected with

various philanthropic institutions. He was one of the directors of the Infirmary, had a loving regard for the

poor, and was always ready for advice when required. He was connected with the Parish Church, and took

a warm interest in its work. The familiar and gentlemanly form of Mr Simson will be greatly missed in

Helensburgh, where he had made so many friends. Deceased was married, and was close on 69 years of age.”

 

 

The British Newspaper Archive.

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, April 2024.