Secretariat

Obituary: Mrs Audrey Burton, OBE

We are very sorry to have to let members of the University community know that Mrs Audrey Burton, OBE, long-standing friend and benefactor of the University, died on 23 August 2008.

Together with her late husband, Mr Stanley Burton, Mrs Burton was lavish in her generosity towards the University over many decades. This included the donation of many important works to the Art Collection, Mr Burton having been instrumental in the creation, in 1970, of the University Gallery. Following the death of her husband in 1991, Mrs Burton continued the tradition of philanthropic munificence in her own right. She donated valuable pieces from her own collection and contributed funds to support a number of projects in the Art Gallery, culminating in her making available funds for the recent extensive and attractive expansion and refurbishment of the Gallery. Completed earlier this year, the enhanced facilities offer an ideal setting to display the riches of the collections, and also provide space for teaching and research. Fittingly, the refurbished Gallery was renamed the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery in recognition of the support which had made the development possible. Mrs Burton was also Honorary President of the Friends of University Art and Music.

Mrs Burton's generosity extended to other areas of the University, a particularly noteworthy development being the Stanley and Audrey Burton Scholarships Scheme which she set up in memory of her husband in 1993, to provide support for research students in music and fine art.

Earlier this year came the very welcome news that Mrs Burton had been awarded an OBE in recognition of her charitable work in Harrogate.

The University mourns the passing of a generous, warm and modest friend, and extends its deepest sympathy to her family.

Published: 5 September 2008