Mr Brian Wilson (1926-2019)

It is with great sadness that Pembroke marks the death of alumnus and friend of the College, Mr Brian Wilson, who passed away on Sunday 17th March 2019.

Mr Wilson came to Pembroke in 1948 to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE). Since graduating, he has been a long-standing and generous donor to not only Pembroke, but also the wider University, and was recognised with inaugural membership of the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle in 2009.

Pembroke College and our students have benefitted in numerous ways from his gifts including the Brian Wilson Scholarships in Arabic and Chinese, which are awarded annually to two final year undergraduate students that demonstrate outstanding performance in their course and have good standing within the College. His Admiration for Fulbright and his writings led him to help establish the Annual Oxford Distinguished Fulbright Lecture Series in 2011, which continues to be hosted at Pembroke annually to commemorate former US Senator J. William Fulbright. Furthermore, in 2015 he commissioned contemporary silversmith Ndidi Ekubia to create a special piece to mark the formation of the Master’s Circle.

We also remember Mr Wilson for his fascinating Gentle History Series “A Gentle History of the Silver Collection”, “A Gentle History of the Stained Glass Windows and Heraldic Shields in the Dining Hall”, “A Gentle History of the Damon Wells Chapel” (co-authored with Rev Dr John Platt) and “A Gentle History of the Master's Lodgings” (co-authored with Dr Tim Brindley).