Simon Houfe, Art Historian and Writer, Dies at 83

Simon Houfe, a distinguished art historian, writer, and journalist, has died at the age of 83. Houfe was known for his contributions to art publications and his extensive writings on British illustration. He served as editor of the Antique Collector from 1970 to 1974 and wrote for magazines such as Country Life and Apollo. His magnum opus, 'The Dictionary of British Book Illustrators and Caricaturists 1800-1914', published in 1978, was a pioneering survey. He also authored a biography of his grandfather, architect Sir Albert Richardson, titled 'The Professor' (1980). Houfe lived most of his life at Avenue House in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, a property designed by his grandfather. He was actively involved in the Ampthill and District Preservation Society and was added to the town's community roll of honour in 2020. Despite hopes that the National Trust would take over Avenue House, the collection was sold, with Christie's producing a fully illustrated catalogue. Houfe's Christian faith sustained him in his final years.