OLD NEWHAVEN HARBOUR

Pen and Ink drawing of the harbour by G. Sims

By Tony Tavner-Corner

I lived in Newhaven and often visited the Sims family. Sally lives now in Brighton, George now lives in Rome, Italy. I now live in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. I have on my wall at home three drawings of old Newhaven by Mr Sims, which are very well done . He would always send  Christmas cards of one of his drawings, which I still have as they are too good to throw away. Mr Sims was in the party that opened up the tomb of the boy King Tut, better known as Tutankhamen in 1922 at Luxor. His house was like walking into an adventure land, all over were things that he collected or carved or painted. Driftwood turned into wonderful objects of art. A lovely man and lovely family.

 

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'OLD NEWHAVEN HARBOUR' page
Photo: Illustrative image for the 'OLD NEWHAVEN HARBOUR' page
Photo: Illustrative image for the 'OLD NEWHAVEN HARBOUR' page
This page was added by Tony Tavner-Corner on 30/01/2014.
Comments about this page

These are lovely drawings. Did George live in Beresford Road on The Mount? I have vague memories of him.

By Helen Wagstaff (nee Russell)
On 30/01/2014

Yes thats where they lived. George junior is a musician in Italy now.

By Tony Tavner-Corner
On 31/01/2014

I have had conversations with other people on this site about George Sims. My father got him to paint a view of the harbour with the sheerlegs and one of the High Street. I spent a lot of time at their house with George his son trying to play guitars and banjo, he must have carried on with it. Very pleased to hear he is alive and well in Italy.

By Terry Howard
On 01/02/2014

I have the original print of Newhaven Swing Bridge, it was given to me many years ago as they did not like it !

By Colin Holden
On 01/02/2014

If you google 'Martin Jenner guitarist' you will get a link to 'The Musicians Olympus: Martin Jenner (guitar & pedal steel guitar)'. On that page you can read that George Sims (junior) was in a group called The Phantoms (short-lived & probably early '60's) playing Bass, with Chris Carrington on drums, Martin Jenner & his younger brother Guy playing guitars & lead Brian Holder. I didn't know Chris, but the Jenners lived on the corner of Avis road & the back lane that led down from Beresford road, while Brian lived along the other end of Beresford road. The latter 3 went to Lewes Boys Grammar school. Not sure of Georges' school but we lived at no.47 next-door-but-one to the Sims', I was Susans friend & we went to Tideway. (The Poples' lived in between us, he was the local Optician). Susan & Martin were 'teenage girl/boy friend, sadly both now deceased. It is interesting that George followed a musical career too & lives in Rome & that Sally lives in Brighton. They were a lovely family.

By Bren Hall
On 07/02/2014

Very glad to hear George alive and well, he taught me to play the guitar in his tiny bedroom in Beresford Road, lovely bloke.

By Rob Vinall
On 07/02/2014

George Sims Jnr and Chris Carrington were in my class at Newhaven County Secondary. I remember them both well.

By Terry Walton
On 12/02/2014

I am delighted to say that I have three of George Sims original paintings - one of the old pub at the bottom of the high street, one of the original bridge going over to Denton Island, and the last one looking down on the Beachy Head lighthouse.

By Trevor Bennett
On 03/03/2014

Thank you for your kind writings on George Sims who was my Great Uncle. As a painter myself it is interesting to read the history of a family member. Thank you. Rebecca

By Rebecca Davis
On 30/07/2014

 

I think I'm right in saying that Mr Simms rode a Harley Davidson. I can still remember the unmistakable noise it made. My parents also have one of his paintings over the fireplace.

By David Beale
On 09/10/2014

George Sims was my uncle. He was my mums brother. As a teenager during the early ‘70’s I had the privilege of corresponding with him and enhancing my stamp collection under his enthusiastic letter writing. I have recently discovered a collection of his art work - a pure delight - and only wish George and my mum Joyce and aunt Ruth were alive to share these treasures with and learn more about the history of each piece.

By Dee Murdoch
On 30/07/2021

We have a painting of the Flying Fish dated 1963 signed G Sims. Could this be one of George's?

Please could you let us know.

Thank you.

More than likely George Sims painted many scenes from the local area.

John  --  Editor

 

By Chris and Mo Scott
On 30/04/2022

Thank you for your reply. 

You are more than Welcome

John -  Editor

By Chris and Mo Scott
On 01/05/2022
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