Arnold and I were members of an evening class in medieval archaeology in the late 1960s. From that date, my wife Ann and I became good friends of Arnold and Priscilla, his devoted and so supportive wife. In the late 1970s Arnold, Gordon, and Stanley coerced me into teaching osteology and Palaeopathology to undergraduates in Archaeological Sciences. From small beginnings, the subject soon became a compulsory component of the degree curriculum.
Continue readingA wonderful person
I was so sorry to hear about Arnold. When I arrived in 1983 at Bradford to work with Keith Manchester, I met a man who was passionate about archaeological science – without him at Bradford many of us (staff and students who have taught, and completed degrees, in Bradford), including myself, would not have achieved half as much as we all undoubtedly have. While his research was focused on archaeological prospection, he was particularly supportive at Bradford of what is now termed ‘bioarchaeology’, and I am most grateful for that. A true gentleman and great character.
Continue readingPassing of Arnold Aspinall
Arnold was one of the great influencers in my life: from the first year physics classes to my final year where he stood as my supervisor he always offered an uncompromisingly enthusiastic delight in seeing his students learn develop and finally graduate.
Although I went into industry I stayed in touch with Arnold, often taking him out to lunch at some obscure pub miles from anywhere, then back to his house for a tour of the garden and tea.
Continue readingArnold Aspinall and John Crummett taking a well earned break during the geophysical survey over the mass graves on the Towton battlefield
In memory of Arnold
In memory of Arnold
Continue readingThoughts on Arnold
Ever since I started on the Archaeological Sciences degree course back in 1979 I have counted Arnold Aspinall as the benchmark for how to behave as a professional and gentleman. He was a pioneer as an archaeological scientist, an inspiration as a teacher and a mentor to the generations following in his footsteps. Personally I owe him for my career in archaeology for without his guidance and patience I would never have made the transition from Arts A-Level student to graduate in Archaeological Sciences.
Continue readingRemembering Arnold
It’s remarkable to read the testimonies already written here and elsewhere about Arnold. Here was a warm, generous and supportive friend to colleagues and students alike. It’s hard to think of a more fitting and genuine tribute to a wonderful man. He was my Head of Department for my first dozen years at Bradford from when I joined in 1978. Through some turbulent times he was a calm and cheerful leader, always convinced of the value of the eccentric enterprise we had set out on.
Continue readingProf. Arnold Aspinall – ISAP Honorary Member
It is with great sadness that we have to announce to the Society the death of Arnold Aspinall. He was an inspiration, as teacher and mentor, to a generation of British archaeological geophysicists. At Bradford, where he set up the first undergraduate degree in Archaeological Science, his passing will be deeply felt. There will be a tribute to Arnold in the next ISAP Newsletter.
Continue readingRemembering Arnold
In common with the others who have shared their memories of Arnold here, I will always remember a kind, enthusiastic and supportive colleague and friend. I first met Arnold when I started work at Bradford, fresh from my PhD and realized my new desk was in his office. I approached it with some trepidation as I couldn’t imagine someone who had recently been Head of Department being keen to share with the newest recruit. I couldn’t have been more wrong. He was so generous with his space, his time and his books!
Continue readingIt was a privilege Arnold
I will always remember my first meeting with Arnold when he interviewed me for a place on the undergraduate course at Bradford. He made ‘Arch Sci’ sound exciting and something I could do. He must have spoken to hundreds of potential students by then but I was struck by his enthusiasm and passion. All I can say is that was a privilege to have had Arnold as a teacher.
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