Library & Archives Blog – Pictures of India: Meet Henry Simpsons Great Granddaughter

In our archive we have this beautiful scrapbook filled with exquisite drawings of Indians in India scenes from the 1830’s. It was donated by Miss B. Chapman and the identity of the artist, behind the drawings, was unknown until a signature was spotted – Isabella Wells (nee Simpson).

During the Covid pandemic Janet, one of our volunteers, had found this scrapbook in the archive, discovered the signature and took it upon herself to find out who Isabella Wells was. For the past twelve years Janet has been researching her house in Whitby and the other houses on the street and discovered that Isabella had resided in one of the houses.

Isabella Simpson was born on 11^th August 1797 in Whitby. She was born into the Simpson banking family, marrying Charles Hotham Wells, aged 29, on 16^th April 1827. She moved to a life in India with her husband and he became the Deputy Advocate-General of Bombay. Whilst in India she records life through these fascinating illustrations; the detail is sublime with a mix of black and white sketches and pops of colour.

In the drawing below we can see, in the background, the rest of the Grenadier Guards lined up orderly with their living quarter tents. Such detail!

Do you think in the drawing below this could be Isabella in the Palky (Sudan Chair)?

Charles died on 5^th October 1840 in Bombay, India so Isabella returned back to England and divided her time between Whitby and London living with widowed sisters. Isabella was a very religious person and described by her nephew as kind but dictatorial! She died in Whitby, aged 81, on the 20^th September 1878; buried in St Mary’s cemetery.

What is interesting is Henry Simpson, who produced the exquisite illustrated geometry school book, that has been lovingly restored, was her Great Grandfather – Isabella has clearly inherited Henry’s drawing genes!

If you are interested in looking at this fabulous scrapbook or Henry Simpson’s Geometry Book contact library@whitbymuseum.org.uk to arrange a time. Isabella Wells also features in the ‘Our Lasses’ exhibition in the museum.

Also, this article is a superb advert for the skills of our volunteers in Family History discovery. Again, contact library@whitbymuseum.org.uk to arrange a personal appointment with one of our Family History experts.

By Claire Marris

Archive Development Officer

#HeritageFund #archivesforall