The 9th Earl of Antrim 1935-2021

 The Earl of Antrim, ninth holder of the Irish peerage, of Glenarm Castle, has died aged 86.

Lord Antrim was Keeper of Conservation 1975-95, and Director [formerly Head] of Collection Services, 1990-95, Tate Gallery. Glenarm Castle, his family home, is one of Ulster's oldest estates.

Alexander Randal Mark McDonnell was born 3 February, 1935, son of the 8th Earl of Antrim, KBE [1911-77], and his wife the former Angela Christina Sykes [1911-84], daughter of Sir Mark Sykes, 6th Baronet, of Sledmere.

He succeeded his father, 26 September, 1977, as Earl of Antrim [created in 1620] and Viscount Dunluce, but continued to be known as Viscount Dunluce, the courtesy title by which he had been known since birth, until 1995.

He married firstly, 9 February, 1963 [divorced 1974], Sarah Elizabeth Anne Harmsworth [born 28 March, 1941], daughter of St John Bernard Vyvyan Harmsworth [1912-95], and his wife the former Jane Penelope Boothby [1914-94]. He married 2ndly, 21 Oct, 1977, Elizabeth Hannah Sacher, daughter of Michael Moses Sacher [1917-86], a great-grandson of Michael Marks, founder of Marks & Spencer, and his wife the former Audrey Glucksman.

Career: educated at Downside and Christ Church Oxford and the Ruskin School of Art. Restorer: the Ulster Museum 1969-71; Tate Gallery 1965-75; Director of Ulster Television  1982-2000; Chairman, Northern Salmon Co Ltd; Member of the Executive Committee City and Guilds Art School from 1983; FRSA 1984; Prime Warden, Fishmongers' Co 1995-96; &c. 

The Earl of Antrim leaves a son, Randal, Viscount Dunluce [born 2 July, 1967], and two daughters, Lady Flora [born 1963], and Lady Alice [born 1964], from his first marriage, and a daughter, Lady Rachel [born 1978], from his second marriage.

The son, Randal Alexander St John McDonnell, styled Viscount Dunluce, succeeds to the peerages.

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