Page 31 - The Constructor 2017

The Company

beginning of a very long relationship that spanned 52 years, with Lilian eventually becoming Head of
the Department of Architecture.
Teaching and lecturing was such a joy for Henry. As an eternal student himself; it was an exciting
adventure where he could share his enthusiasm and love of his subject, encouraging students to
develop their own talents and ideas. Henry and Lilian lectured at several institutions across the UK –
including Cambridge and London University. Through the Council of Industrial Design, they taught
lay people, as well as professionals. Henry also taught at the prestigious London-based Inchbald
School of Design from its beginning in 1960; becoming Director of Visual Art Studies from December
1981 and later, in 1989, being appointed coming Director of the Faculty. Henry loved working with
young people so much; that he continued teaching on their Summer courses way into retirement in
2000!
Henry’s and Lilian’s contribution wasn’t limited to their professional work. In 1977, he and Lilian
become the first professional husband & wife team to become liverymen in 800 years and were
granted the Freedom of the City of London simultaneously. This became the opportunity to become
more involved with charity work and awards, encouraging the next generation, and to reward great
achievements.
Henry almost always had a sketchbook in hand. Indeed, in later life he drew all Sir Christopher
Wren’s churches in the city of London. He was always present with Lilian at our events, and he soon
became our Company illustrator. Even if Henry hadn’t a sketch book, the menu or in fact any scrap
of paper would do! Henry and Lilian adored these events, loving the opportunity to meet with
friends and colleagues and contribute to the philanthropic works of the livery companies. Lilian
also became a member of the Worshipful Company of Educators. These two great Livery companies
gradually became the focus of their lives in retirement, bringing enormous pleasure and joy to them
both.
Henry cherished his family and friendships. He was delighted when he became a grandad, he even
volunteered to do Santa’s grotto at the grandchildren’s playgroup, and encouraged their interest in
music, art and, of course, sport! This love was reciprocated, they adored granddad, and in Henry’s
final hours it was the grandchildren who were there with Henry holding his hand as he slipped into
peace.
Henry and Lilian also enjoyed travel. Thus, in 1977, when Lilian needed to
take trips to Spain to sort out a family problem; they bought a small flat in
Mijas, Spain. This was the beginning of a long love affair with the Spanish
culture and People that that bought them much joy and pleasure. Indeed
last April, before Lilian became very ill, Madelaine took both Henry and
Lilian to their flat in Mijas, in what was a truly beautiful week full of
treasured memories. Henry even continued studying Spanish even when
he was hospitalised in recent years. Until his final illness he took his
phrase book into the care home “for a bit of fun” and he was still
inseparable from his sketch books and verb tables!
Lilian, Henry and Madelaine were accomplished Latin American and
Ballroom dancers. Henry and Lilian even reached the semi-finals for the
Cha Cha Cha at the Lyceum Ballroom, London.

Autumn 2017 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 31