Born in Herne Bay, Kent, on 5 November 1850, the son of a commercial traveller, also named Richard.
[1] He spent much of his time in Aldershot, Hampshire, after marrying his wife, Harriet in 1880, and was also a volunteer in the Artists Rifles.
During his lifetime, he, along with Orlando Norie produced thousands of watercolours depicting the uniforms and campaigns of the British Army.
Simkin also contributed illustrations to numerous publications including the Boy's Own Magazine, The Graphic and others; many were published by Raphael Tuck and sons.
He died at his home at 7 Cavendish Street, Herne Bay on 25 June 1926, survived by his wife and two daughters.