In Loving Memory of Harold Palliser
Herbert Harold Palliser, known as HH Palliser, was a man of many talents and passions. Born on 28 July 1936 to W. and Joyce V. R. Palliser, his life began with humble beginnings, leaving school at just 14 to pursue an apprenticeship in electrical work. This early start set the foundation for a life marked by skill, determination, and adventure. Harold’s true calling emerged when he joined the Royal Navy, where he served for seven and a half years, much of that time in the Fleet Air Arm. This gave him the chance to fly in helicopters and deepened his lifelong love of the sea. Though a disciplined serviceman, those who knew him well saw the heart of a pirate in him—free-spirited and adventurous. After leaving the Navy, he worked as an engineer with the British Aircraft Corporation in Stevenage and later British Aerospace, retiring at the age of fifty.
In Loving Memory of Harold Palliser
Herbert Harold Palliser, known as HH Palliser, was a man of many talents and passions. Born on 28 July 1936 to W. and Joyce V. R. Palliser, his life began with humble beginnings, leaving school at just 14 to pursue an apprenticeship in electrical work. This early start set the foundation for a life marked by skill, determination, and adventure. Harold’s true calling emerged when he joined the Royal Navy, where he served for seven and a half years, much of that time in the Fleet Air Arm. This gave him the chance to fly and deepened his lifelong love of the sea. Though a disciplined serviceman, those who knew him well saw the heart of a pirate in him—free-spirited and adventurous. After leaving the Navy, he worked as an engineer with the British Aircraft Corporation in Stevenage and later British Aerospace. His adventurous spirit led him to become a scuba diver, exploring many shipwrecks off the coast of Cornwall, a place he deeply loved. Over time, his passion grew to include cave diving, which eventually inspired him to take on the role of dive instructor for the Stevenage Sub Aqua Club. Through his dedication, he shared his love of underwater exploration with others, guiding new divers on their own exciting journeys beneath the waves. retiring at the age of fifty. Unbeknownst to many until after his death, Harold also worked covertly for the British government during critical moments like the Falklands War and the Iraq War. Later, he settled in Norfolk, where he continued to serve his community as a volunteer crew member with the Hemsby Inshore Lifeboat for many years, only stepping down when illness took its toll.
Harold’s creativity was as rich as his adventurous spirit. He mastered antique gun making, crafting flintlock pistols so authentic they fooled experts. He also built large-scale model ships and was an accomplished painter, with his artworks sought after and cherished by many. His paintings, full of life and passion, have brought joy to those who have seen them.
He passed away on 30 December 2010 after a long illness and was laid to rest in the churchyard of St. Mary the Virgin in Hemsby, a village close to his heart. His legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew him and in the spirit of adventure, service, and artistry he embodied throughout his life.
Herbert Harold Palliser in loving memory of my father; Adventurer, veteran & artist. 28 July 1936 -30 December 2010.
Art is often said to have no bad form, and its value is subjective. Yet, when we visit art galleries, we notice a distinct difference in the works displayed there. These pieces often carry niche meanings, employ unique materials, or use symbolism that many people might not immediately grasp.
Most galleries tend to value artworks that meet at least one of these criteria: originality or innovation, historical significance, or a strong conceptual meaning. However, conceptual art without originality can feel simple or childlike. On the other hand, some hyperrealistic or even childlike conceptual art pushes originality so far that it becomes an inside joke among elitists who prize uniqueness above all else.
Interestingly, the artworks that find success in galleries without deep conceptual meaning often stand out because they are visually striking in a completely original way. Think of abstract sculptures or mixed-media pieces that captivate purely through their innovative appearance or because they hold historical importance.
Between these extremes lies a middle ground—a blend of technical skill and conceptual depth, created with passion and imagination, delivering a meaningful message. This balance is where many truly compelling works of art reside, connecting both the mind and the heart of the viewer.
Herbert was truly a technical artist, a quality shaped by his engineering background. His approach to creativity was precise and methodical, blending art with technical skill in a way that was uniquely his own. John often reflects on how much he misses the contrast between their two styles—the technical rigor Herbert brought and the different, perhaps more intuitive, style John embraced. Together, their contrasting perspectives created a dynamic balance that is now deeply missed.
Visit The Late HH Pallisers Full Art Works