Harold Simmons

Harold Simmons (December 2, 1914 – May 6, 1966) was a Saint Lucian folklorist, artist, historian, and social worker. He is often referred to as "the father of modern arts and culture in Saint Lucia".

Early life and education Harold "Harry" Simmons was born in Castries, Saint Lucia, in 1914. He attended Methodist elementary schools and then Saint Mary's College, an all-boys Catholic secondary school. He had no formal university education, which did not stop him from becoming one of the country's most prominent intellectuals.

Work Simmons' first job after school was at the private firm of W.B. Harris, where he worked for six years. In 1940, he quit to focus on painting. He became one of the island's most important artists of the day and joined the Royal Drawing Society as an associate. He was also a founding member of the St. Lucia Arts and Crafts Society in the 1940s.

His work largely consisted of watercolors of everyday scenes, reflecting his island surroundings.

It was as a painter that he became a mentor to two of the island's best-known creative figures, Derek Walcott and Dunstan St. Omer. A friend of Walcott's late father, Simmons gave them art lessons and encouraged them in their work.

In 1946, Simmons joined the Civil Service, organizing cooperatives and relief efforts in Saint Lucia. He also took on volunteer social work. One of his many volunteer roles was with the St. Lucia Boy Scouts, which later honored him with a Medal of Merit. He also served on a variety of committees including the St. Lucia Tourist Board, the Library Committee, and the Local Advisory Committee. While not all of them followed his lead, he was influential for such artists and cultural leaders as the singer Sesenne. Many of his papers and paintings were destroyed when the center caught fire in March 2018.

Simmons was awarded the St. Lucia Cross posthumously in 2016.