On Sunday 5th May former students, colleagues, friends and family packed the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building at St Hilda’s College to commemorate and celebrate the life and achievements of Dr Barbara Levick (1931 - 2023). Barbara was Tutor and Fellow in Ancient History for many decades and Emeritus Fellow from 1998. Tributes were paid to the multi-faceted aspects to Barbara’s life and career. Dr Sarah Watkinson spoke about Barbara’s service as a College Fellow, including her work in helping create the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building. Prof. Rhiannon Ash highlighted Barbara’s outstanding ability as an inspiring and dedicated tutor, while Prof. Gregory Rowe surveyed her career as an erudite and pioneering scholar. Mary Bennett described Barbara’s zest for life and stoicism in her latter years. Prof. Katherine Clarke spoke of Barbara’s long-term impact on Ancient History at St Hilda’s. These reflections were accompanied by superb renditions of Beethoven and Debussy by Jennifer, a St Hilda’s 2nd year MPhil student in music performance.
An archive of memories of Barbara is being established in the College Archives. If you would like to contribute to this, please email the College Archivist (archives@st-hildas.ox.ac.uk).