Page 29 - The Constructor 2017

The Company

In retirement, while I was working as a Head Teacher, he went to the local college and took a one-
year course in electric typewriting and a two-year course in Chef/Hotel catering. He then started the
Open University and after six years gained a BA (Hons) and a Diploma in European Humanities,
graduating in 1994 at the age of 76.
Gerard had a great interest in apprentices and work development, which are strengths of the Livery.
He was awarded the freedom of the City of London in September 1977, admitted to the Company in
March 1997 and became a Liveryman of the Company in May 2004. Gerard passed away on 8
February 2017, aged 91. May he Rest in Peace”.

Our Company Illustrator - Henry Stephenson
This year, not long after his beloved wife had died, our Company Illustrator,
Henry Stephenson also passed away at the age of 88, having struggled with
both the recent loss of his wife, long-term illness and latterly, the onset of
dementia, something which, for someone with an impressive intellect and
purposeful mind, must have been a real blow. Whilst this article focuses to
a large extent on Henry one can never think of him solely, as he and Lilian
were inextricably intertwined and as well as being a member of the
Company, Lilian remained an essential part of his life and times.
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His daughter Madelaine writes “Henry was born on the 11 Oct 1928 in
Selby to Henry and Amelia Stephenson. He always loved Yorkshire, the beautiful countryside
especially the moors, and the straight-talking warmth of the people drew him back for many lovely
family holidays, revisiting his childhood haunts in Betsy, the family’s first car.
Henry senior worked for the railways while Amelia, cared for the home. Young Henry had an older
brother George whom he adored. George was 13 years older, and provided guidance for the young
Henry especially after his father died. Henry described his dad as a firm but loving parent who
adored Millie his wife and he had memories of his dad playing with him despite suffering from
angina, which eventually took him when Henry was 5 years old and made a profound impression on
young Henry, who had been sent by his mother to the Crosby and Porters Orphan boarding school so
that he was spared the trauma of watching his father die. Although missing his mother terribly,
Henry loved his time at the school, thriving there both socially and educationally, so he was sad
when war broke out and all the boarders had to leave because the school couldn’t “blackout” the
great old building.
Because Henry had a fine singing voice he was auditioned at the Ripon Cathedral Choir School. His
talents and enthusiasm as a choir boy were noticed and nurtured by the formidable presence of his
beloved mentor Dr Moody, who taught Henry to read music and play the organ and piano as well as
sing. He eventually become the chief chorister at Ripon and his intense love and appreciation of
Choral and spiritual music remained with Henry all his life.
In the meantime, Henry’s mother had moved to Harrogate and Henry attended Harrogate Art
College, where the curriculum was very traditional and long hours were spent learning isometric and
axonometric perspective, the foundation for any architectural drawing. But sadly, his education was
disrupted again as despite his obvious talents as an artist Henry had to leave art college when he
was called up for military service.

Autumn 2017 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 29