Bernard Ashmole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard Ashmole
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Ashmole in 1955.
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| Born | 22 June 1894 Ilford, Essex, England
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| Died | 25 February 1988 (aged 93) Peebles, Scotland
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| Occupation | Archaeologist and art historian |
Bernard Ashmole (born June 22, 1894 – died February 25, 1988) was a British archaeologist and art historian. He was an expert in ancient Greek sculpture. Throughout his life, he held important jobs at famous universities and museums. He was a professor at the University of London (1929–1948), University of Oxford (1956–1961), and the University of Aberdeen (1961–1963). He also worked at the British Museum as the Keeper of Greek and Roman Antiquities from 1939 to 1956.
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Early Life and Education
Bernard Ashmole was born in Ilford, Essex, England, on June 22, 1894. His parents were William Ashmole and Caroline Wharton Tiver. He was related to a famous old collector named Elias Ashmole.
He went to a private school called Forest School from 1903 to 1911. In 1913, he started studying at Hertford College, Oxford, after winning a special scholarship for classics.
Career Highlights
Serving in World War I
When World War I began, Bernard Ashmole left university to join the British Army. He became an officer in the 11th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He was seriously hurt during the Battle of the Somme. While he was recovering, he was made a temporary captain in 1916. He later returned to the fighting in 1918.
Between the World Wars
At Oxford, he studied with important scholars like Percy Gardner and John Beazley. He worked with Beazley on a chapter about Greek art for a history book.
From 1925 to 1928, Ashmole was the director of the British School at Rome. Here, he helped to list and organize sculptures in a famous museum called the Palazzo dei Conservatori. He also became interested in modern art and buildings.
When he returned to the UK in 1929, he asked an architect named Amyas Connell to design a very modern house. This house, called 'High and Over', was built with concrete in Amersham. It is now a protected building because of its special design.
In 1939, Ashmole became the Keeper of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the British Museum. This was a very important job where he looked after ancient Greek and Roman artworks, including the famous Elgin Marbles. He also helped many young scholars start their careers.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Bernard Ashmole joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He became a pilot officer in 1940. He was promoted several times, eventually reaching the rank of squadron leader. He left the Royal Air Force in 1954 as a wing commander.
After World War II
After the war, in 1948, he left his teaching job at the University of London. He wanted to focus on putting the collections back on display at the British Museum.
He retired from Oxford in 1961. But he didn't stop working! He became a professor at the University of Aberdeen for a few years. He also visited Yale University as a professor in 1964. He gave many important lectures, which were later published as books like The Classical Ideal in Greek Sculpture (1964) and Architect and Sculptor in Classical Greece (1972).
He also gave advice to the rich oil businessman J. Paul Getty about buying ancient art for his collection.
Family Life
In 1920, Bernard Ashmole married Dorothy Irene de Peyer. They had two daughters and one son.
Awards and Recognition
Bernard Ashmole received several awards for his bravery and service.
- He was given the Military Cross on April 17, 1917. This award was for his courage during World War I. His award said he showed "great courage and skill" and continued to lead even after being wounded twice.
- On December 29, 1942, he received the Greek Distinguished Flying Cross for his valuable help during World War II.
- He was also mentioned in official reports for his good service on January 14, 1944.
- In 1957, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a high honor given by the British monarch.
