The Fusilier Museum unveils new oil painting in memory of former trustee Major Edmund Gartside

The Fusilier Museum, Bury, recently unveiled a new painting of former trustee and museum supporter Major Edmund Gartside. 

Members of the Gartside family including his wife Valerie Gartside and Edmund’s two children, Michael and Vanessa, attended the special unveiling at the museum on Saturday 11th October. 

The portrait in oil is hung in the prestigious Gallipoli room in the museum and was painted by well-known military artist David Rowlands.  It also hangs next to the painting of Edmund’s father James Brewer Gartside who served with the 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers from 1916 – 1940. James was awarded the MC for leading a successful raid on the German trenches in the Second Battle of the Somme and was also the Commanding Officer of the 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers from 1935 – 1940, receiving a DSO for his bravery in the rearguard defence of the British Expeditionary Force during the retreat to Dunkirk. 

Edmund followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military when he enlisted with the Royal Engineers before being commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers (1954 - 1968), retiring as a Major. 

Edmund was one of the founding trustees of the Fusilier Museum and was instrumental in fundraising to enable the museum to move to its present location in Moss Street. As Finance Director, he continued to guide the museum until his retirement from duties in 2015. 

Edmund became a Director of Shiloh PLC in 1960, and later Chairman and Managing Director of the group at the age of just 33. He remained a true Lancastrian and devoted servant to the textile industry and wider community throughout his career. Edmund was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, and he served as High Sheriff in 1995 as well as receiving the freedom of the Borough of Rochdale in 2016. 

Edmund sadly passed away on 14th July 2018. 

Colonel Brian Gorski, Chairman of The Fusilier Museum said, “Edmund has been a key supporter and trustee of the Fusilier Museum for many years. We owe so much to him for his continued support, guidance and friendship throughout this time and he has undoubtedly played a fundamental role in our success. We wanted to do something to honour his contribution and felt that a portrait to go alongside his father was the most fitting.” 

Michael Gartside said, “We are delighted that our father’s service both to the Lancashire Fusiliers and to the museum has been recognised by the commissioning of this portrait. He was a vital part of the team who brought the museum to Bury, and we are grateful to them for honouring him in this way.” 

The Fusilier Museum in Bury, Lancashire, is home to the collections of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Documenting over 300 years of history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum tells the rich and fascinating stories of the people who have served and continue to serve in the Regiments.