Obituary of Robert Henry Soden Smith

Robert Henry Soden Smith, Keeper of the Art Library, V

Robert Henry Soden Smith (1821–90), was one of the earliest keepers of the Art Library of the South Kensington Museum (now the National Art Library). He played a major part in the formation and early development of the Library and was an accomplished scholar not only in various branches of art and bibliography but also several departments of natural history.

From The Times, 23 June 1890

Mr Robert Henry Soden Smith, keeper of the Art Library of the South Kensington Museum, died on Thursday morning in his 69th year after very painful illness. Mr Soden Smith was the son of the late Captain Robert Smith, of Dirleton, county Haddington, of the 44th Regiment, Athlone Pursuivant of Arms. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and was originally intended for the Church, but became tutor to the late Marquis of Camden. For 30 years or more he held office at South Kensington, during which time the formation of the important and useful branch of the institution, the Art Library, has been mainly his work. Mr Soden Smith was an accomplished scholar and, in addition to his knowledge in various branches of art and bibliography, he was well versed in several departments of natural history. His friends will think of him as one of the most amiable, kindly and gentle-natured men and in his official capacity he was singularly helpful and courteous.

Reproduced with kind permission of The Times
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