Richard Rhead Simm (1926 – 18 March 2019) was a British painter noted for his detailed oil paintings of the English countryside. His works commonly depict rural landscapes, thatched cottages, water mills, hunting scenes, and equestrian subjects, often rendered with a highly finished technique on copper panels or board.
Early life and education
Born in England in 1926, Simm’s early artistic training was acquired while working as a decorative painter at the Royal Doulton porcelain factory in Staffordshire. The precision required for porcelain decoration influenced his later fine‑art practice, although specific details of his formal education are not widely documented.
Career
Simm transitioned from decorative work to full‑time painting in the mid‑20th century. His early oeuvre included figures and battle scenes, later evolving to seascapes and, ultimately, idyllic rural scenes that reflect a deep affinity for the English landscape. He signed his paintings as “R Simm” or “Richard Simm.”
His paintings were primarily sold through regional galleries and auction houses. Notable works include a portrait of the racehorse Mill Reef with jockey G. Lewis and a series of “hunt meet” scenes. Auction records from venues such as Bonhams, Hannam’s Auctioneers, and Batemans Auctioneers show that his small‑scale oils have been valued between £30 and £500, indicating steady collector interest.
Personal life
Simm resided for much of his life in Staffordshire, particularly in the town of Stone. He was married to Stephanie and was survived by their children Michael and Jenny, as well as several grandchildren.
Later years and death
Simm continued to paint into his later years. He died peacefully at his home in Stone on 18 March 2019 at the age of 92. His funeral was held at Stafford Crematorium.
Legacy
While not widely known in mainstream art history, Simm’s work holds a niche place among collectors of mid‑20th‑century British rural painting. His finely rendered depictions of traditional English life contribute to the visual documentation of regional heritage, and his paintings continue to appear at auction and in private collections. No major institutional awards or permanent museum holdings have been recorded for his oeuvre.