I was a close friend of Arnold’s from 1961 when I joined the Physics staff at the then Bradford College of Advanced Technology. During the 1960s, when the College transformed to University, Arnold developed his interests in Prospection and, with me, in Physical Analysis of archaeological materials. When, about 1970, Bradford University was given leave to expand while maintaining a 60/40 Science/Arts ratio we put to Gordon Brown that you could teach much of Physics through its application to archaeology. He saw the potential and his enthusiasm and drive in committees led to the creation of first a postgraduate course for archaeologists and then an undergraduate course in Archaeological Sciences. Initially we had no archaeologists on the staff but Peter Addyman and, through him, his staff on the York Archaeological Trust, gave positive support for our teaching programmes. Peter’s development of the Trust together with his teaching contributions led to a deserved award of an honorary DSc from Bradford. Likewise, Arnold’s immense contributions to research, teaching and administration as Director of Archaeological Sciences led too to an honorary DSc but from Sheffield University where somehow he found the time and energy to support their development of archaeological science programmes and also their excavations in the south of France, led by Pat Phillips. An honorary DSc was also awarded by Bradford University to Keith Manchester for his (continuing) development of Palaeopathology through the department. Three Doctors of Science is quite a measure of how highly regarded were the pioneering courses in Archaeological Science at Bradford, with Arnold at the helm
Throughout most of his Directorship Arnold suffered from lack of resources to develop Archaeological Sciences as rapidly as he would have wished. This arose because the University restricted the intake to 20 students per annum and because, with such a diverse range of subjects being taught, he had to rely on other departments to provide lectures. He never let those problems overface him and the department was ready to expand to its present strength when next the University was in difficulties over its science numbers.
Arnold always took a keen and genuine interest in those around him and his wonderful recall of personal details put everyone at their ease. Outside his “work” he had a passionate interest in gardening and gardens and was a fount of knowledge on plants, based on years of experience. Our holidays together always included visits to gardens and garden centres where he relaxed totally. We regarded him as “family” and he was to have joined the whole Warren tribe for a holiday in July by which time he expected to have recovered fully from his last serious illness. Sadly, the gods ruled otherwise. They don’t often make people with Arnold’s fine qualities and he will be sorely missed.
The photo shows Arnold and Stanley Warren at Dawyck Gardens near Peebles in 1999.