Obituary: Anthony Harris, teacher, lecturer, head of school, assistant rector, charity director, author and artist (1931-2024)

Born in Reading, Berkshire, he retained a love of the Thames, painting views of the river many times, with several featuring in a solo exhibition at The Gallery, G&S Fulham to mark his 90th birthday. Having made a mark as a young artist of promise when he was studying at the Reading University and the Courtauld Institute, he went on to produce a fine body of work throughout a long career, 

Alongside his own career, he also worked to support the development of generations of younger artists. He taught at St Alban’s School of Art from 1960 and was Principal from 1967-75; was vice-principal of Chelsea School of Art from 1975-86, after which he was head of Camberwell School of Art and Assistant Rector of the London Institute until 1989. He was committed to art education and its application and benefit to society as a member of NSEAD. He was especially proud of introducing a course in art therapy during his tenure at what is now part of the University of Hertfordshire.He was a Director, and from 1982-1995 the Master, of The Guild of St George, an educational charity founded by John Ruskin to support the appreciation of craft and beauty, values evident throughout his life’s work.

He has several works published on drawing and Ruskin and produced his own art publication of ‘Brushes with Genius’ which gives his personal account of influential artists that have lit his artful vision.

Anthony is survived by Portia Harris, his wife of 69 years and his children Christopher Harris and Margot Walker.

For more information or to contact Margot Walker visit anthonyHarrisArtist.com

NSEAD is hugely grateful for the support Anthony Harris and his family have given to the Society.