John Simpson, after his investiture as ONZM, for services to art education, by the governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro, at Christchurch Town Hall, on 7 July 2022. Photo: New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General via Wikipedia
Fine arts academic and silversmith Harold John Simpson was a prominent figure in the New Zealand arts scene.
Simpson, the first professor of fine arts at the University of Canterbury, played a crucial role in shaping the arts landscape in Canterbury and beyond. His contributions as the head of the School of Fine Arts from 1961 to 1990 left a lasting impact on the community. He was actively involved in various arts organizations, including serving as vice-president of the Canterbury Society of Arts and co-founding the Design Association of New Zealand.
Known for his keen eye for design, Simpson’s influence extended beyond academia. He was instrumental in the creation of the university coat of arms and served on design committees for national projects such as decimal coinage and banknotes. His dedication to art education was recognized when he was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2021 Birthday Honours.
Upon his retirement, Simpson was named professor emeritus of fine arts, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in the field. His passion for art education and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire future generations of artists. John Simpson’s passing on May 18 marked the end of an era, but his contributions to the arts will always be remembered. — APL/agencies
