Henry Snell Gamley RSA 1865-1928

Mr. H. S. Gamley died suddenly in Paris on 25th October 1928, at the comparatively early age of 63, where he had just completed an important commission for Wyoming, U.S.A., a great figure of Robert Burns. His death was a personal loss to every member of the Academy, in which he had only friends.

Born at Logie Pert, Craigo, near Montrose, in 1865, he very early devoted himself to the work of his life, and after studying in the School of Art under Mr. Hodder, and latterly with Professor Lantéri at Kensington, where he gained many medals, he worked under the late W. G. Stevenson, R.S.A., for three years.

Elected an Associate in 1906, he attained the rank of Academician in 1920, and was ever a faithful member of the Academy. ‘There is not space to mention more than a few of his many works, the most important being the memorial statue of King Edward at Holyrood.

This commission brought him into intimate contact with the Royal Family, and for H.M. the late Queen Alexandra and H.M. Queen Mary he was entrusted with various commands. Mr. Gamley’s War Memorials at Montrose and Cupar are successful and widely appreciated works, and among his many bust portraits, that of the Rev. T. Ratcliffe Barnett is generally regarded as peculiarly sensitive.

A strikingly handsome presence, an invariable friendly greeting, consistent simple courtesy, and a beautiful singing voice, made Mr. Gamley welcome in many circles, and one can only regret that so capable a sculptor, and an individuality so much esteemed, should be lost to the Academy and to the limited ranks of Scottish Sculptors.

Transcribed from the 1928 RSA Annual Report