He will be remembered by all who knew him as humorous, creative, talented and loving.
Born in 1937 in Chislehurst, Newell-Smith began life as a news photographer. Having honed his skills in the RAF, after he was de-mobbed in 1960 he freelanced for several picture agencies before becoming a full-time staff photographer on The Observer in 1964. In the same year he married Sonya Hirsch, also a freelance photographer.
The couple set up Tadema Gallery in 1978, showcasing 20th century art, furniture, sculpture, paintings, ceramics and glass. Tadema ultimately specialised in jewellery and became internationally renowned for its expert eye and exquisite examples from the Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.
A wide range of international clients included museums, galleries and private collections, not to mention the many loyal visitors to their gallery in Camden Passage, Islington.
In their valued spare time, David and Sonya pursued their love of street photography and most Sundays were spent in and around Brick Lane. They produced a series of self-published books on the area and were planning a magnum opus incorporating the best of all the material gathered over many years.
David was suddenly taken ill on holiday in Venice, and shortly after his return died in London Bridge Hospital.
Beatriz Chadour, jewellery historian
