Harry Garner

Background

His eldest brother, William Edward (1889–1960) was born in Hugglescote in Leicestershire and became an expert in explosives.

Education

Harry was educated at Market Bosworth Grammar School and Street John"s College, Cambridge.

Career

He worked for the British government on aerodynamics leading a group at Felixstowe on marine avaiation before becoming Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Supply. Meanwhile he became a noted expert and collector of oriental art He started by collecting Chinese blue and white porcelain.

He published on that subject in 1954, when he recognised the two vases now known as the David Vases as the only fourteenth century porcelain then known.

Both of these made substantial donations to the British Museum. Amongst Garner"s collection was the Kakiemon elephants.

Achievements

• Harry Garner was appointed Central Bank in the King"s Birthday of 1948 and was knighted Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year of 1951. He was a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Connections

Friend:

Percival David