Creator of beautifully crafted, fantastic painted sculptures, born in Southampton. A lonely, introspective child, he “always wanted to be an artist”, went to art school, but the 1930s Depression meant that he had to become a handyman and advertising illustrator. Also developed as a craft toymaker, especially of small boats. During World War II illustrated bridge-building manuals. After the war his creations were shown at Royal Festival Hall, prompting an American from Design Research to buy and commission objects from Smith which sold well, so that he could give up advertising work. Smith’s objects became bigger, more elaborate and less toy-like, based on childhood memories and colourful characters, witty but a stringent comments on society.