Professor Richard Gregory 1923-2010
Blogging science to life
Wed 19 May 2010, Written by: Nicole
It is with deep sadness we share the news that Professor Richard Gregory, founder of the first hands-on science centre in the UK, passed away this week.
A keen promoter of science education, Richard founded the Bristol Exploratory in 1978. During its time up until it closed in September 1999, it attracted over 2million visitors who for the first time were able to ‘play with science’.
After the closure of the Exploratory, Richard was a leading advisor of the development of At-Bristol, sitting on the Board during 1997 and 1998. More recently he appeared in the Alice Through the Looking Glass exhibition in a ‘meeting him’ style interview on video that was about his passion; visual perception illusions. This video is being adapted into At-Bristol’s latest exhibition, All About Us, opening in February 2011.
Trainee science communicators had Richard as their role model and many of At-Bristol's staff talked about him with reverence and love, making it even more special that he was still such a key part of the development of the new centre.
Dr. Goéry Delacôte, CEO of At-Bristol, said: “Richard is a character who will be missed, not only for his love of science, but also his personality and humour that was an integral part of him. It is also with sadness that he will miss At-Bristol’s 10th Birthday celebrations this July, but a man who will be very much remembered during the time, and through the work he has left behind.”
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