He was educated at Winchester and New College Oxford where he gained a First in English Literature. Though he obtained an important post with Shell Oil in Persia, he decided that world was not for him.
For the last 50 years he was to be found in Portobello Road of a Saturday, where he catered to a large following. Besides dealing in Asian antiques he was an avid collector and some of that vast collection now resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Henry loved the company of other intellectuals and at an early age became a member of the Traveller’s Club, later becoming one of its house committee members. It was always a great pleasure to dine with him there. True to the club’s name, he was an avid adventurer, spending time every year in India, Indonesia and Ceylon where, in 1805 an ancestor had been appointed the first British governor.
Latterly, however, Henry preferred European travel, visiting its ancient sites, churches and museums. He was just as likely to turn up in Rome, Lisbon, Cordoba or Prague as he was in Portobello. Our last meeting was outside St Mark’s, Venice, and of course we shared lunch and dinner together.
Henry never lost his love of English literature and he quoted long passages when asked, but above all his favourite work was The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam.
The last verse of that poem seems appropriate to remember him by: And when Thyself with shining foot shall pass Amongst the Guests star-scattered on the grass, And in your joyous errand reach the spot Where I once was p- then turn down an empty Glass!.
