Norman Child Graham

Norman Child Graham (21 July 1859 – 22 April 1931) was an English businessperson, artist, and animal welfare activist. He served as director of Ransomes & Rapier and later worked as a tea merchant and engineer. A watercolourist and member of the Ipswich Fine Art Club, he exhibited works in Merrow and Westminster. Graham co-founded the Humane Slaughter of Animals Association, serving as honorary secretary. He played a key role in its merger into the Council of Justice for Animals and the Humane Slaughter Association, becoming vice-chairman and remaining in the role until his death.

Norman Child Graham was born at Herne Hill, Surrey, on 21 July 1859, the son of Christopher North Graham (1817–1889), a wholesale grocer, and Isabella (née McAndrew; 1825–1897).^[1][2] He was baptised at St Giles' Church, Camberwell, and educated at Tonbridge School.^[2]

Graham married Rose Ransome, daughter of Ipswich iron founder Robert James Ransome, at St Mary at Stoke on 1 June 1887.^[3]

Graham resided at Priors Wood in Compton, Guildford. He purchased the wood from William Wotton in 1920.^[4]

In the 1890s Graham lived in London and was director of Ransomes & Rapier.^[1][5] He and his brother Christopher were shareholders of the Public Benefit Boot Company.^[6] He was a tea merchant in 1901 and was an engineer in general manufacturing in Hambledon, Surrey in 1911.^[1]

Graham was a watercolourist and member of Ipswich Fine Art Club from 1898 to 1905. He exhibited his paintings at Merrow in 1898 and Westminster in 1900.^[1]

Graham co-founded the Humane Slaughter of Animals Association in 1920.^[7] He was honorary secretary of the organisation and promoted the use of more humane methods such as the captive bolt pistol for animal slaughter, in opposition to the poleaxe.^[8][9][10] He commented that "the time will soon arrive when the use of the mechanical killer will be compulsory in the slaughter of all animals for food in this country".^[11] The Association worked with the Council of Justice to Animals and amalgamated as the Council of Justice for Animals and the Humane Slaughter Association in 1928.^[7] Graham was vice-chairman of the organisation until his death in 1931.^[7]

Graham died at Priors Wood on 22 April 1931, aged 71.^[1] His funeral service was held at Woking Crematorium.^[12] In his will, he left £3000 to the Council of Justice to Animals, £2000 to the League for the Prohibition of Cruel Sports and £3000 to the RSPCA payable on the condition that they campaign to prevent the hunting of wild animals.^[13][14] He also left £500 each to the Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society, International League Against the Export of Horses for Butchery and the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals of the Poor.^[14]