In Memoriam
We are greatly saddened to learn of the death of John P. Smith who passed away on Sunday 24th February 2019 following a recent period of illness.
John was a dominant figure in the glass world for many decades, being a former Director of Glass at Mallett and Sons (Antiques) Ltd where customers included most of the major museums holding glass in both the UK and the USA. He also served on the main committee of The Friends of the Victoria and Albert Museum, helping to raise over £300,000 per annum. His other accolades included member and past vice president of The European Society for Light and Glass; honorary member of The Guild of Glass Engravers and a Fellow of Corning Museum of Glass. He lectured widely on glass and lighting both in Europe and the USA and was the author of five books. Perhaps one of the pinnacles of his many achievements was his association with The Glass Circle where he was a member for 50 years and Chairman for 15.
John has consistently supported BGF from the outset and so we were delighted when he accepted our invitation to become one of our ‘new wave’ of Trustees in December 2017. Although his time with us was brief his contribution was already considerable and we will miss both his sage counsel and extensive experience. More fulsome appraisals of John will appear elsewhere in due course but in the meantime BGF wishes to express its sense of loss for a valued member of our team.
Our sincere condolences go to wife Aileen and family and all friends and colleagues of John at this sad time.
We are advised that funeral arrangements are 2.30pm on Wednesday 20th March at St Andrew’s Church, Aldringham, near Thorpeness, Suffolk.
LATEST NEWS
