Tim Hart, 61, died on Christmas Eve in La Gomera, where he had been living since retiring from the music business, devoting himself to writing and photography, publishing La Gomera: A Guide to the Unspoiled Canary Island (2004).

In 1966 he teamed up with singer Maddy Prior, and the duo recorded two albums of Folk Songs of Olde England, with Hart backing on guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, banjo and violin. Hart performed with Maddy Prior as part of the BBC Electric Proms in October last year.
Electric Folk band Steeleye Span was formed in 1969 when Hart and Prior teamed up with bass player Ashley Hutchings, formerly a member of Fairport Convention. They were one of the top bands throughout the seventies cutting more than 12 albums.
He spent last year in the U.K. receiving treatment for lung cancer and had only just returned to Gomera with his wife at the beginning of December.
He leaves his wife Connie, and a daughter and son from a previous marriage.