FRED Harriss was aiming to help boost the UK’s export trade.

The smith and engineer, from The Forge, Newland, Witney, was an expert in wrought-iron work and had made an ornamental window grille in 1969.

It was to be shown with items made by craftsmen from other parts of the country at an exhibition at Wimbledon.

Mr Harriss had been commissioned for this piece of work by the Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas.

It was hoped that the exhibition would result in an increase in overseas trade for this type of work and encourage small industries to keep the export market in mind.

Possible buyers from Europe were invited to the exhibition.