(1923 – 2020 [?])
Talented metalworker and coppersmith. Presumably he is the Basil J Smetham who was born in Wilton, Wiltshire, in October 1923 and married Carol Atkinson in January 1958 in Kensington, London. He later lived in Surrey and I believe he and his family must have ended up in Westcott, where there remains a thriving community of Smethams. Basil seems to have died in early 2020 and his widow Carol sponsored the floodlighting in the local church in his memory in November 2020.
Here are the works by Basil in the Quartermaine Hall collection so far:
Copper Kettle
Gorgeous little copper kettle from 1982 by master mini smith Basil Smetham (2022.189)
Scullery Sink
Finely detailed sink with copper geyser, pipework and even a tiny plug, attributed to Basil Smetham
Brass Fireguard
Fine brass fireguard with a rail and paw feet by master craftsman Basil Smetham
Quartermaine Hall 