We are deeply saddened to report the death of Giles Waterfield whose career embraced a variety of roles – museum director, curator, art historian, teacher, novelist – all of which he conducted with unique flair and distinction. Here at The Courtauld Giles was a central part of the Institute’s commitment to teaching on museums and curating for almost two decades. Generations of students have benefited from his wisdom and generosity and enjoyed his warmth and humour.
Elsewhere, he enriched our experience through his work as Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery, his outstanding exhibitions, for the Royal Academy, the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Gallery and museums across the country, his writings and his public lectures. He was the foremost authority on the history of regional museums, and collections, both royal, aristocratic and public; his magnum opus The People’s Galleries, was published by Yale last autumn. Several of his novels – most recently, The Iron Necklace – have gained wide acclaim here and abroad. He had longstanding involvements with the Royal Collections, the Attingham Trust, and the Heritage Lottery Fund, for whom he acted as an expert advisor.
Giles died of a heart attack suddenly on Saturday 5 November. We, and all his friends, admirers and colleagues, will miss him greatly.