Ernest Arthur Bell

Ernest Arthur Bell CB (20 June 1926 – 11 June 2006)[1][2] was an English botanist and chemist who was Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew from 1981 to 1988,[2] the first biochemist to be appointed to the post.[2]

Early life

Arthur Bell was born at Gosforth, Northumberland and was educated at Dame Allan's School, Newcastle upon Tyne.[2] He took a degree in Chemistry at Durham University and was awarded a doctorate at Trinity College Dublin in 1950.[2][3]

Professional career

Bell started his career at ICI in 1946, as a research chemist. In 1947 he took up a research post at Trinity College, Dublin. In 1949 he became a lecturer in Biochemistry at King's College London, where he became Professor of Biology and head of the Department of Plant Sciences in 1972.[2] He was vice-president of the Linnean Society from 1982 to 1986.[1]

Honours

He was appointed a Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath in 1987.[2] In 1990 he was made an honorary fellow of Trinity College Dublin.[4]

Personal life

He married Jean Ogilvie in 1952 and they had three children together – two sons and a daughter.[2]

Death

He died at St George's Hospital, Tooting in 2006, aged 79.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Prance, Ghillean T. "Ernest Arthur Bell". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Arthur Bell". The Daily Telegraph. 27 June 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
  3. ^ Sherlock, D.J.M. (2006). Trinity College Record Volume 2006. Dublin: Trinity College Dublin Press. ISBN 1-871408-07-5.
  4. ^ Webb, D.A. (1992). J.R., Barlett (ed.). Trinity College Dublin Record Volume 1991. Dublin: Trinity College Dublin Press. ISBN 1-871408-07-5.