Ben Smyth (George’s father) was born in the coastal village of Ardglass, Co. Down, in the north of Ireland, in 1919. Surrounded by the sea and the fishing village life, he embraced the maritime lifestyle. As a child he became fascinated with the art of putting boast in bottles, quickly followed by a keen interest in drawing and painting. At the age of 7 he won a local art competition, showing a skill well in advance of his years.
Travel featured a lot from a young age, taking him to places such as England, France and Africa, the local scenery always providing him with inspiration for his watercolours and sketches. In 1950, while working as foreman overseeing the dismantling of the battleship ‘Warspite’, off the coast of Cornwall, he helped save the lives of two of his co-workers, during a diving accident. For this King George VI awarded him a medal for bravery.
Returning to Ardglass in the early ’60s, he joined H.M. Coastguards, where he remained a member for 25 years and upon leaving received a medal for longtime service. Taking a post with Harbour Maintenance, he quickly became admired and stood out as a much loved character until his retirement.
Despite not producing a great number of paintings in his lifetime (and not always signing what he did do) Ben’s artwork is still admired and respected. Paintings held in private collections are treasured and his name is often mentioned in conversations about art and local history.
His sharp sense of humour, unfaltering kindness and skill as a draughtsman will ensure he is never forgotten.
