Sir Christopher White CVO FBA, Former Director of the Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir Christopher White CVO FBA.
A distinguished scholar of Dutch and Flemish art, Sir Christopher was Director of the Ashmolean Museum for twelve years from 1985 until his retirement in 1997 having previously worked at the British Museum, Colnaghi, The National Gallery in Washington and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art.
Christopher transformed many areas of the Ashmolean and its work. It was under his leadership that the Museum’s first education officer and volunteer lecturers were appointed, and he also oversaw the creation of the Ashmolean's lecture theatre and other important public facilities. Among the significant acquisitions made in his time, appropriately given his expertise, was the wonderful Rubens drawing of the Earl of Arundel.
Christopher remained a great friend to the Museum long after his retirement. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
