George Gater obituary

George Gater, my husband, who has died aged 88 of cardiogenic shock, was an industrial economist, and an amateur art historian. Coming from a privileged background he yet had a determined independence of mind and an egalitarian outlook.

The son of Sir George Gater, a civil servant, and Irene (nee Nichols), who ran the National Gallery canteen for Myra Hess's wartime concerts, he was named Anthony George Richard, and known as Anthony by his family but as George by his friends from boyhood on. Born in London, he was educated at Winchester college and then studied philosophy, politics and economics at New College, Oxford, following national service.