As a writer and artist, Harry Simmons used his talents to document the lives, traditions and language of the Saint Lucian people. At a time when the Caribbean's indigenous culture was still widely viewed as being inferior to that of Europe, he advocated its significance and helped to promote an appreciation for its existence. Today, Simmons is hailed as the Father of Saint Lucian cultural anthropology and is often credited with influencing acclaimed artists such as Derek Walcott and Dunstan St. Omer.

Born at Castries in 1915, Simmons received his early education at the Methodist Elementary School and St. Mary's College. After leaving school in 1934, he worked with the firm of W.B. Harris, which he left after six years so as to fully devote himself to his painting.

As a painter, he received much attention in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean and North America. He also started Art classes and was awarded the Art Teachers Diploma and became an Associate of the Royal Drawing Academy.

In 1946, he joined the Civil Service as Co-operative Societies Officer/Registrar and during the next ten years served the public in this capacity and also as a member of several government bodies. Included in these are, Secretary of the Castries Fire Relief Fund Committee; Officer in charge of Beane Field; Housing Manager, as well as a member of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, the Library Committee and the local advisory committee of the Extra-Mural Department of the University of the West Indies. He also served as local correspondent for the Trinidad Guardian and Reuters for several years and Editor of the Voice Newspaper from 1957 to 1959.

Simmons was also a great lover of the Arts and of History. He was a founding member of the St. Lucia Arts and Crafts Society, the St. Lucia Archaeological and Historical Society and was closely associated with the work of the St. Lucia Arts Guild, as well as several other cultural groups. In addition he found time for much voluntary social work, especially in the island's Boy Scout Association. His contribution to the movement was recognized with the award of the organization’s Medal of Merit.

Simmons died at his home in Garrand at the age of 51. However, his brilliance continues to shine through his many paintings that have survived and his scholarly work including his Principal Plant List of Saint Lucian Plants.