A NEW MASTER FAREWELL TO SIR DRUMMOND BONE 4 - Visit from the Met Commissioner Social media: a threat to democracy? 20 How Balliol won University ...
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NEWS AND FEATURES FROM THE BALLIOL COMMUNITY | JUNE 2018
A NEW MASTER 1 Visit from the Met Commissioner 9
Social media: a threat to democracy? 20
FAREWELL TO SIR How Balliol won University Challenge 28
DRUMMOND BONE 4 Balliol entrepreneurs 39
34 16
JUNE 2018
FROM THE MASTER 1
COLLEGE NEWS 30
New Fellows 2
A class act 4
Portrait of Professor Sir Drummond Bone 6
Deans on display 6
Awards 7
New Domestic Bursar 8
Visit from the Met Commissioner 9
New Outreach Officer 10
Admissions video 10
9
Our Oxford trip 11
Chinese visitors 12 4
Groundbreaking ceremony at the Master’s Field 13
STUDENT NEWS
Horses and art in Northern Plains tribes 14
Having a blast in Bangladesh 16
Balliol climbers at BUCS 16
Photo of single atom wins national competition 17
Orchestra tour 17 26
Judo medal 17
JCR introduces CAFG officers 18
First place in an international finance competition 18
BOOKS AND RESEARCH
#VoteLeave or #StrongerIn 19
Target democracy 20
Dynamics, vibration and uncertainty 22
Bookshelf 24 14
BALLIOL PAST AND PRESENT Balliol College, Oxford OX1 3BJ
Nicholas Crouch reconstructed 26 www.balliol.ox.ac.uk
How Balliol won University Challenge 28 Copyright © Balliol College, Oxford, 2018
The Garden Quad in Wartime 30
Tutorials remembered 32 Editor: Anne Askwith (Publications and Web Officer)
Walking in the footsteps of Belloc 32 Editorial Adviser: Nicola Trott (Senior Tutor)
Design and printing: Ciconi Ltd
ALUMNI STORIES Front cover: Balliol’s first female Master, Dame Helen Ghosh DCB
Social enterprise in Rwanda 33 (photograph by Rob Judges), who took up her position in April 2018.
A Listening Pilgrimage 34
Global Balliol: Canada 36
Notes from the next revolution in housing 38 Thank you to all who have kindly written articles, agreed to be interviewed,
Balliol entrepreneurs 39 provided photographs or information, or otherwise assisted in the
Raising standards in literacy 42 preparation of this magazine. We are always pleased to receive feedback,
and suggestions for articles: please send these to the Editor by email to
anne.askwith@balliol.ox.ac.uk or at the address above.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS 43
From the Master
Dame Helen Ghosh DCB
No sooner had I set foot in the Master’s
Julia Slupska
study at the beginning of April than I was
off to the Oxford Alumni Weekend in San
Francisco, and a Balliol dinner with a terrific
turn-out from alumni of all ages. I was well
aware that the question in their heads
would be ‘Who is she?’ And that’s probably
a question many of you are asking too.
I love Oxford. I arrived here as a
student 45 years ago and will never forget
the thrill of finding myself in All Souls in
the study of Professor Peter Brown, who
had just published his magisterial biography
of St Augustine of Hippo, reading out
an essay and wondering how on earth
someone like him could appear to take
seriously anything I might have to say on
the subject. That was my introduction
to the tutorial system at its very best. I
have lived here ever since. It’s where I
met my historian husband Peter, since
1981 a Fellow of St Anne’s, and where The Master speaking at the Holywell Manor Festival 2018.
we brought up our two children. Having
been a regular commuter to somewhere That was one reason why I chose to with current and former Fellows, students
else, I’ve always felt a sense of relief and come back to the University. Whether and alumni show in what affection the
delight when I get back to Oxford. That’s through teaching or research, universities College is held and how strongly people
not just because of its physical beauty, too are institutions which shape the world feel about its distinctive character. The
but also because at its best, it represents of the future. For many young people, their recent alumni survey is a rich source of
the pursuit of truth for its own sake as time at Oxford changes their lives – as it advice (see page 43). Many people have
well as for the sake of changing people’s changed mine. The opportunity to play my emphasised Balliol’s proud history of
lives. I am grateful for all that Oxford has part in that enterprise felt an exciting one. welcoming the very best students from
given me: not just a formal education, Of all the Oxford colleges, Balliol with this country and around the world, and
but a doorway into a wider world. its tradition of academic excellence, public support the College’s focus on widening
Three years of research for an MLitt service and intellectual independence access at undergraduate and graduate
reminded me that though I loved the seemed like a place where I could feel level. Our Career Development Fellows
academic world, I wanted to apply my at home. And what an honour it would have a vital part to play in maintaining
mind to more concrete problems. The be to inherit the title of Master from so and developing our teaching and research
Civil Service seemed to me a place where many distinguished predecessors. Three excellence. Continuing Drummond’s drive
intellectual and practical challenges could months in, I feel that honour very strongly. to put the CDF programme on a firm
combine with serving the public good. In Thanks to Drummond Bone and all he financial footing will be a priority for me;
33 years in Whitehall there were many achieved as Master, the College is thriving. the successful completion of the Master’s
highlights, whether working with local The people we celebrate from our Field building project will be another.
communities in East London or very closely history – Jowett, Lindsay, or Dervorguilla Most of all, I believe the role of the
with ministers as a Permanent Secretary. herself – are those who have planned for Master is to ensure that the College is a
The chance then to lead Europe’s largest the future while still valuing the past. I see happy and stimulating community in which
conservation charity was an opportunity I my challenge as the new Master as being students, academics and non-academic staff
couldn’t resist. The National Trust combined to maintain and celebrate what makes can thrive – and of which alumni still feel
my interests in history, the environment us special, but with a clear eye on how they are an important part. I look forward
and public service. As a historian, I was we can meet the world ahead of us. to meeting you and welcoming you back
also conscious of the role of big non- For the time being, the most important to Balliol, as warmly as the College has
governmental organisations in changing thing is for me to listen to what other welcomed me.
society, alongside or ahead of governments. people think. The conversations I have had
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 1
New Fellows
literature, and in the study of minorities at Newcastle
Mark Baker
Rob Judges
in the Golden Age. Her doctoral thesis University and then
Mark joins Balliol and subsequent monograph explore moved to History
as Supernumerary the influence of Masuccio Salernitano’s Il and to Oxford (St
Fellow and Career Novellino on early modern Spanish writers Hugh’s and The
Development such as Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Queen’s Colleges)
Fellow in Modern Barca, and she has published papers on for her MSt and
Global History. the circulation of Sansovino’s anthology DPhil, and a JRF.
He is currently of novellas in Golden Age Spain. Other Helen is an
completing his PhD research has focused on the representation historian of the
at Yale University, of women in Golden Age literature, in early Middle Ages,
where he is a particular the concept of mujer ventanera with a particular focus on Anglo-Saxon
Dissertation Prize (women-at-the-window), and on the image England. Her interests lie in social, cultural
Fellow at the Council on East Asian Studies. of black slaves in Golden Age literature. and religious history, and she is a leading
Prior to this, at Oxford, he completed his Her current work explores the slaves’ expert in the history of medieval liturgy.
BA in Modern History at Oriel College, poetry written in Spanish. Her monograph Liturgy, Architecture and
and his MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies Sacred Places in Anglo-Saxon England (2013)
at St Antony’s College. He also spent draws on archaeological and architectural
a year as a Visiting Research Scholar at
Calliope Dendrou evidence to explore the importance of
Zhengzhou University in China. Calliope is ritual to people’s religious lives in this
Rob Judges
Mark is a historian of modern China, Supernumerary period. Helen is currently writing a book,
with interests in urban history, rural- Fellow and English in the Liturgy before the Reformation,
urban relations, comparative imperial/ Research Fellow which explores the use of the vernacular in
colonial history, and the history of in the Sciences medieval church services.
war. His doctoral thesis, which will be (Medical Sciences)
the basis of a book, explores spatial at Balliol, whilst
change at the urban edge of the cities continuing to hold
Claire Jarvis
of Kaifeng and Zhengzhou between the position of Sir Claire, an Assistant
1900 and 1960, examining rural-urban Henry Dale Fellow Professor of
connections (and disconnections) during and Group Leader English at Stanford
this tumultuous period. His future projects at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human University,
include an exploration of the competing Genetics in the Nuffield Department of California,
interpretations of the life and thought of Medicine. She read for a BSc in Biology at joined Balliol in
Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925) in the worldwide Imperial College, London, and obtained Michaelmas Term
commemorations in March 1945. a PhD in Infection and Immunity at 2017 as Oliver
Cambridge University. Smithies Lecturer
Calliope’s research focus is on and Visiting Fellow.
Diana Berruezo-Sánchez autoimmune diseases. Her research aims She received her
Now Balliol’s to increase understanding of how human BA at the University of North Carolina
Rob Judges
Supernumerary genetic variation predisposes to different at Chapel Hill, her first MA from Boston
Fellow and Career autoimmune disorders, by prioritising the University, and a second MA and her PhD
Development investigation of variants shared across at Johns Hopkins University, Maryland.
Fellow in Modern diseases, in order to interrogate pathways Claire’s research focuses on British
Languages that are central to the development literature of the 19th and early 20th
(Spanish), Diana of these conditions, and which may be centuries, with particular emphasis on
previously held specifically modulated to provide the the novel and theories of sexuality. Her
lectureships at greatest benefit across patients. first book, Exquisite Masochism: Sex,
the Universities Marriage, and the Novel Form (Johns
of Barcelona Hopkins University Press, 2016) explores
and Oxford. She completed her PhD at
Helen Gittos a densely descriptive suspension of sexual
Barcelona University, and she won the Fifth Helen has come to Balliol as Collyer- gratification in the novels of Emily Brontë,
International Academia del Hispanismo prize Ferguson Fellow and Tutor in History. Anthony Trollope, Thomas Hardy, and D.H.
for the best PhD thesis in Spanish literature. Previously she was a Senior Lecturer Lawrence. Claire’s current project, A Little
Diana’s research interests are in the in Medieval History at Kent University. Britain: Women, Genre, and Form, considers
Italian influence on early modern Spanish She read for a BA in English Literature questions relating to genre in the works of
2 FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018
Dorothy Sayers, Elizabeth Goudge, Barbara Adam’s research faculty in 2008.
Rob Judges
Rob Judges
Pym, Tessa Hadley and Zadie Smith, as well is in theoretical Prior to that, he
as the scholarly heritage which connects condensed completed a PhD
these female authors. While in Oxford, matter physics at the University
Claire conducted research in the Bodleian’s and concerns of North Carolina
collection of Pym’s manuscripts, and in fundamental at Chapel Hill
Balliol’s archives. questions about and spent a
quantum dynamics postdoctoral year
out of equilibrium, at the American
Ohad Kammar quantum phase Academy
Ohad joins Balliol transitions, of Arts and
Rob Judges
as Supernumerary topological phases of matter, and Sciences as a Visiting Scholar.
Fellow and Career disordered systems. David writes on American intellectual,
Development political, and cultural life. He is the author
Fellow in of The Jefferson Rule: How the Founding
Computer Science,
Katherine O’Brien O’Keeffe Fathers Became Infallible and Our Politics
while continuing Katherine is Clyde Inflexible (Simon and Schuster, 2015),
to hold a research and Evelyn Slusser and The Myth of American Religious
associate position Professor of Freedom (OUP, 2011; updated edition,
within Oxford’s English Literature 2015), which won the Frederick Jackson
Department of Prior to the Turner Award from the Organization
Computer Science. He was previously at Twentieth Century of American Historians. As a teacher,
Cambridge as a research associate at the at the University of David offers undergraduate courses
University and a Bye-Fellow at Fitzwilliam California, Berkeley, on American culture and ideas and
College. He gained his PhD in Informatics and joins Balliol as on religion in American life. He also
at Edinburgh University, having completed George Eastman teaches a graduate seminar on US
undergraduate degrees in Computer Visiting Professor. intellectual and cultural history.
Science and in Mathematics at the Open She holds her AB from Thomas More
University of Israel. College, Fordham University, and her PhD
Ohad’s research focuses on the from the University of Pennsylvania. Before
William Zwicker
relationships between four fundamental joining Berkeley, she was Timothy O’Meara An Oliver Smithies
Rob Judges
theories of programming languages: Professor of English at the University of Lecturer and
computational effects; higher-order Notre Dame. Visiting Fellow
functions; concurrency; and polymorphism. Katherine’s work focuses on the at Balliol, William
Currently, no overarching theory exists for literary culture of Anglo-Saxon England, is the William D.
combining all four theories (a ‘theory-of- primarily on cultural transmission, editing Williams Professor
everything’). This gap points to a deficiency in manuscript cultures, and questions of Mathematics
in our understanding of the nature of of agency. Her most recent projects at Union College,
computation and abstraction, as well as investigate the work of surprise in Schenectady, NY.
having practical implications on the way traditional poetry and strategies of bodily He received his
programming languages are designed. At satisfaction in Anglo-Saxon law. She is the PhD from the
Balliol, Ohad will focus on the interaction author of Stealing Obedience: Narratives Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
between computational effects and of Agency and Identity in Late Anglo-Saxon He began his academic career in 1975
polymorphism. The aim of his research is England (University of Toronto Press, at Union College, where he has held his
to resolve these tensions, and thus pave the 2017) and Visible Song (CUP, revised ed. current position since 2006. He has also
way for the design of true general-purpose 2008), in which she investigates textual held visiting positions at universities in the
programming languages which effectively variance in the manuscript culture of UK, Canada, Spain, and France.
incorporate features of all four theories. Old English poetry. She is also editor of William’s research is focused on
the C-text of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. applications of mathematics to the
She was elected Fellow of the Medieval social sciences, including co-operative
Adam Nahum Academy of America in 2015. game theory, fair division, and social
Adam Nahum (2002) completed his choice theory (specifically, the
MPhysPhil and DPhil at Balliol. Much of mathematics of voting). As this research
his academic career so far has been spent
David Sehat is fundamentally interdisciplinary, he
in the USA, where he obtained an MS in David is spending a year at Balliol as has worked extensively with political
Physics from Chicago and where, recently, John G. Winant Visiting Professor of scientists, economists, mathematicians,
he was a postdoctoral associate and then American Government. A cultural and and computer scientists, although
Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute intellectual historian of the United States, continuing to approach the findings
of Technology. He returns to Balliol as he is an Associate Professor at Georgia from a mathematician’s point of view.
Research Fellow in the Sciences (Physics). State University, where he joined the
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 3
A class act
Sudhir Hazareesingh (1981 and Fellow and Tutor
in Politics) pays tribute to the retiring Master
Events marking the retirement of Professor Sir Drummond Bone (1968, Master 2011–2018) at the end of March included
the unveiling and hanging of a portrait in Hall (page 6); a 12-day international valete tour during which he attended
receptions with Balliol alumni; a retirement tea in Hall, attended by Heads of House, University staff, Balliol Fellows,
Lecturers, students and staff; and a retirement dinner for Fellows, alumni and friends at which Sudhir Hazareesingh gave
a speech, an edited version of which is published here.
It is my great honour to propose the toast great economist Adam Smith (1740). But
to the Master, to celebrate and pay tribute the Snell also spawned some scrappers –
to Drummond’s distinguished service as ‘As you make your way such as one J. Carnegie, admitted in 1709
Master of Balliol. back to your beloved and expelled in 1710. There is also J.H.
I think nothing more readily sums up Christie (1808), who became a barrister
the affection and gratitude of the Balliol
Scotland, Drummond, but whose only subsequent claim to fame
community towards you, Master, than the we thank you for your was to be prosecuted after a duel in
wonderful turnout of Fellows, Emeritus service and wish you the 1821. Vivian once perfectly summed up
Fellows, Honorary Fellows, Foundation the Snell’s colourful diversity when she
Fellows, Old Members, benefactors and greatest of successes in remarked to Drummond: ‘Those of you
friends this evening. your endeavours in the who are not dead have done pretty well.’
I would like to take a moment, in her This is a perfect transition to one of
absence, to salute Vivian. I hope, Drummond,
months and years ahead.’ your many engaging qualities, Drummond:
you will pass on our collective thanks your wry sense of humour, allied with
for her numerous acts of kindness and an unvarying modesty and a total lack of
generosity towards us, and for the crucial absolute lad’; a third volunteered this pomp: you take your inspiration here from
role she has played in the achievements of wondrous encomium: ‘Drummond is a the great Byron, and I cannot resist quoting
your Mastership. I would also like to salute massive pimp … but in a good way.’ from Don Juan:
the presence in our midst of a glorious This capacity to generate such
gaggle of Masters, past and future: Colin flights of poetic eloquence among the What is the end of Fame? ’tis but to fill
Lucas and Andrew Graham are here, and undergraduates has been one of the A certain portion of uncertain paper:
they are joined by our next Master, Helen hallmarks of your Mastership. Of course, Some liken it to climbing up a hill,
Ghosh. It is fabulous to see these great this was their way of reminding us all that Whose summit, like all hills, is lost in vapour
pillars of Balliol wisdom here – and having you first arrived in Balliol in 1968 – a year
them with us as we honour Drummond which speaks for itself. The esprit soixante- You have combined all the magisterial
conveys that continuity of inspiration which huitard had possessed Holywell Manor, virtues of your recent predecessors: a
guides the College across modern times, and you too were swept away by it. Your commitment to intellectual excellence,
and for which we are immensely grateful. anarcho-libertarian insouciance did not go an openness to the world, an ebullient
These changes may of course appear unnoticed: I have it from an unimpeachable generosity of spirit, a passion for the
seamless, but they require from our source that you were gently upbraided Humanities, a compelling sense of
Masters an active spirit of engagement by Master Christopher Hill for not organisation, and a reassuring deftness with
– and at times, a no less active spirit appearing in a College photograph. Now numbers. To me, the Master you evoke
of transgression. It was evident to our that Drummond’s portrait hangs here most powerfully is Sandie Lindsay – not
own students when you returned to the in Hall, a few metres from Christopher’s, just because he was one of our great
College as Master in 2011, Drummond, we can all fully savour the delicate Balliol Scots, but also because you both
that you were something of a subversive. intertextualities of that moment. shared a commitment to internationalism,
The Oxford Student newspaper ran an I cannot resist a wee word or two progressive reform and a belief that
article in which Balliol students gave about Balliol’s Glasgow connection, which power comes with social and political
their impressions of their new Master; first brought Drummond to us. The Snell responsibility. In that famous October
they read as a postmodern take on Exhibition is one of those very recent 1938 by-election in which he publicly
the concept of effortless superiority. Balliol traditions (it dates back only to the defied the Munich appeasers, Lindsay
One undergraduate described you as year 1699). It is, as we know, an immensely stood as an ‘independent progressive’ –
‘totally badass’, another called you ‘an distinguished association, which gave us the a label which sums you up perfectly.
4 FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018
The Master’s Retirement Tea
Rob Judges
Rob Judges
Rob Judges
Rob Judges
A Master above all needs to have the You even inspired a Balliol team to win
capacity to embody the role (what our University Challenge.
French friends call l’incarnation), and in this ‘Your ability to reach for With the help of many of the
respect you have been absolutely superb. the stars is on the cosmic benefactors present this evening, our
Countless friends and colleagues from wonderful Development Office and our
across the University have remarked to
scale of the greatest shrewd Investments Committee, you also
me that you were so nice (always said with Inca ruler, Pachacuti, oversaw a near-doubling of our endowment
a mildly off-putting expression of surprise, whose name means – a monumental achievement. At the
as if that was not necessarily a quality to same time, you spearheaded the rolling
be expected of a Balliol person). Under “he who overturns out of a new and exciting programme
your Mastership, all the different parts of space and time”.’ of Career Development Fellowships,
the College administration have worked which has invigorated the College’s
in great harmony. Your dedication to tutorial capacities and reaffirmed Balliol’s
student academic and personal welfare has community. This has sometimes involved, I leadership within Oxford as a centre for
been exemplary, and much appreciated am reliably informed, the consumption of teaching innovation and excellence.
by the JCR and MCR; I should mention certain quantities of liquor, and so, Master, So, as you make your way back to your
here that students signed a farewell on behalf of the College, I hereby express beloved Scotland, Drummond, we thank
card for you, and the inscriptions were our sincere apologies to your liver. you for your service and wish you the
unanimous in stressing how inclusive, We have so much to celebrate greatest of successes in your endeavours
kind, and gentle a Master you have been. concerning your Mastership, Drummond: in the years ahead. You are a class act. A
Two comments stand out for me: one the introduction of significant reforms to true performer of miracles, you remind
was from a student who wrote how the management and oversight of student me (this will be my only motoring allusion)
disoriented he felt when he arrived in academic affairs; the spectacular renovation of the Haitian voodoo god Papa Legba,
Oxford, and how much strength and of our kitchens; the brilliant success of the enchanted guardian of the crossroads;
comfort he drew from your welcoming our 750th anniversary celebrations; the your ability to reach for the stars is on
speech at Freshers’ Dinner. The other was adoption of the Master’s Field building the cosmic scale of the greatest Inca ruler,
from a student who said: ‘Thank you for project, which will provide us with an Pachacuti, whose name means ‘he who
not giving me a bollocking at handshaking additional 140 rooms and thus the capacity overturns space and time’. I am certain that
when I did no work at all last year.’ to accommodate all our undergraduates if you were the manager of the Scottish
Your charm and your diplomatic finesse during their time in Balliol if they so wish football team, you could somehow even
have also helped maintain excellent – an aspiration I have heard discussed make Scotland qualify for the World Cup.
relations between the College and the for the past 35 years, but which will now Thank you for sharing your magic powers
wider Balliol alumni and benefactor become a reality thanks to your leadership. with us over the past six-and-a-half years.
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 5
Portrait of Professor
Rob Judges
Sir Drummond Bone
To mark his retirement at the end of March, a portrait of Professor
Sir Drummond Bone (1968, Master 2011–2018) has been hung
in Hall. The portrait, in oil, is by the artist Valeriy Gridnev. The
commissioning of the portrait was made possible by the generosity
of an anonymous donor.
In the portrait Sir Drummond sits in front of the 1892 design
by T.G. Jackson for a Balliol annexe, conceived by Benjamin Jowett
(Master 1870–1893). Only part of the scheme was executed: the
King’s Mound in Mansfield Road (on the far right of the image
below), where recent Masters have lived.
Ian Taylor
Professor Sir Drummond Bone, by Valeriy Gridnev, oil, 2017
Deans on
Rob Judges
Rob Judges
display
A portrait of John Jones (1961, Fellow
1966–2010, Dean 1972–2002, Fellow
Archivist 1981–2009, Emeritus Fellow)
has been presented to the College by an
anonymous benefactor – a ‘most personal
honour’, John says, by which he feels
humbled. The portrait is by Bob Tulloch, in
watercolour, coloured pencil and pastel, and
it shows John in St Cross Church, Holywell:
John headed the restoration of the church
and its conversion into Balliol’s Historic
Collections Centre, completed in 2011.
John’s portrait has been hung on the
SCR landing leading into Hall as part of a
Douglas Dupree, by Kevin Arthur, 2016 John Jones, by Bob Tulloch, 2017
new display of portraits of the five Deans
who are honoured at the Deans’ Dinner. It
is next to one of Douglas Dupree (Fellow are F.F. Urquhart (Fellow 1896–34, Dean
and Chaplain 1987–2014, Dean 2007– 1918–1933); A.B. Rodger (Fellow 1924–
2014, Emeritus Fellow) by Kevin Arthur, 1961, Dean 1933–1952); and F.L.M. Willis-
2016, in oil, which has been presented by Bund (Chaplain and Fellow 1945–1972,
the Balliol Society. The other three Deans Dean 1952–1972).
6 FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018
Awards
New Year Honours David Johnston (2000) was appointed
Ian Taylor
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Timothy (David) Rossington (1976) was (OBE) for services to social mobility and
appointed Companion of the Order of the education. He is Chief Executive of the
Bath (CB) for public service. Until 2017 he Social Mobility Foundation, a charity that
was Finance Director at the Department runs programmes to help young people
for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport from low-income backgrounds enter
(DCMS) and has served in a number of universities and professions. He has also
other roles in DCMS. He was previously been Director of Future, a charity which
Finance Director of the Department for supports organisations working with young
Communities and Local Government. people, before which he was Coordinator
of the Oxford Access Scheme.
Academic awards Nanoengineering and Processing of
Metal-Organic Framework Composites
Ian Taylor
for Photonic Sensors’, which will make
possible the design and fabrication of
fine-scale porous materials with bespoke
physical and chemical properties, to afford
disruptive photonics sensing technology.
Professor Ngaire Woods (1987),
founding Dean of the Blavatnik School
of Government and Professor of Global
Economic Governance at Oxford, was
appointed Commander of the Order of
the British Empire (CBE) for services to Robert Field (Professor of Engineering
higher education and public policy. As well Science, Lubbock Fellow and Tutor in
as leading the creation of the Blavatnik Engineering Science) was awarded an
School of Government, she founded the Academies Partnership in Supporting
Global Economic Governance Programme Excellence in Cross-disciplinary research
at Oxford, and co-founded (with Robert award (known as an APEX award) for a
O. Keohane) the Oxford-Princeton Global project entitled ‘Exploring Water Re- Frances Kirwan (1981, Professor of
Leaders Fellowship programme. use – the Nexus of Politics, Technology Mathematics and Emeritus Fellow) was
and Economics’, in which, he says, he elected Oxford’s 20th Savilian Professor.
David Buttery (1997) was appointed aims ‘to understand the limitations of The chair was founded in 1619 and she is
Officer of the Order of the British planned water recycle and re-use for a the first woman to be elected to any of the
Empire (OBE) for services to transport. wide range of regions around the world, historic chairs in mathematics. A specialist
From 2012 to 2017 he was Deputy taking into account the constraints of in algebraic and symplectic geometry,
Director for High Speed Rail Legislation government and of politics as much she was elected a Fellow of the Royal
and Environment at the Department as the technological possibilities.’ Society in 2001 (only the third female
for Transport, in which role he led the mathematician to attain this honour)
Parliamentary process for the HS2 Phase Jin-Chong Tan (Associate Professor and she was President of the London
One hybrid Bill: the planning application of Engineering Science and Tutor Mathematical Society from 2003-2005
for the high-speed railway from London in Engineering Science) has been (only the second woman ever elected).
to the West Midlands and the largest awarded a five-year European Research
piece of legislation ever submitted to Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant of Professor Martin McLaughlin (1973)
Parliament. His previous roles in the €2.4 million. With this support Professor was awarded the Serena Medal for Italian
same department include Head of EU Tan, who leads the Multifunctional Literature by the British Academy.The medal
Regulation and Infrastructure in the Materials & Composites Lab in Oxford’s is awarded annually ‘for eminent services
Office for Low Emission Vehicles, and Department of Engineering Science, will towards the furtherance of the study of
Head of Highways Agency Sponsorship. establish a project called ‘PROMOFS: Italian history, philosophy or music, literature,
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 7
art, or economics’. Professor McLaughlin has
recently retired from his Chair as Professor
of Italian Studies at Oxford and is an
Emeritus Fellow of Magdalen College.
Fulbright/Leo Johnson
some of the world’s top supercomputers. of Agnes Scott College, Atlanta, she was
An Engineering Science DPhil graduate, previously founding director of Duke
Matthew is the youngest person ever to be University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics.
offered the prestigious Fellowship. He says: Prior to that she taught at Randolph-
‘It will provide me with access to some of Macon and Deep Springs Colleges and
Andrew Paverd (2011) won a the best neutron scattering and diffraction then at Princeton University, as well as
postdoctoral Fulbright Scholar Award instruments and supercomputers in the holding research fellowships at Harvard
2017-18 in Cyber Security at the world. I intend to initially focus on the and at Melbourne University in Australia.
University of California, Irvine. His research stability of next-generation framework
focuses primarily on the use of secure materials upon external stimuli such as David Gibling
hardware to build trust in computer the thermal and high-pressure response (1941) was
systems. During his Fulbright exchange, he properties. However, with the world- posthumously
will explore the use of hardware security leading facilities available and a team appointed to the
techniques in new application domains. of brilliant scientists to work with the rank of Chevalier
possibilities are limitless.’ in the Ordre
Matthew Ryder (2013) was awarded national de la Légion
the Clifford G. Shull Fellowship at Oak d’Honneur by the
Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in
Other awards President of the
the United States. ORNL is the largest US Elizabeth Kiss (1983) is to be the next French Republic, in
Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory, a Warden of Rhodes House, succeeding recognition of his ‘military engagement and
world-leading neutron science and nuclear Charles Conn (1993). She will be the first steadfast involvement in the Liberation of
energy research facility, and home to woman in the role. Currently President France during the Second World War’.
New Domestic Bursar
Following Jo Roadknight’s departure previous job was very odd, but within two
Rob Judges
‘over the wall’ to Trinity, Balliol has a new to three days I felt as I had been here for
Domestic Bursar: Frances Wright. ages – it felt just right,’ Fran remembers. A
Fran comes to Balliol from Oxford’s Sir few months on, she is still ‘getting a picture’
William Dunn School of Pathology, where of how Balliol works – the 12 committees
she was head of Human Resources. When she sits on, for instance – but she is excited
she decided that it was time to move on, by the challenges and interest of a job
her sister, who works at Pembroke, urged which involves ‘doing a bit of everything’.
her to try college life. From a choice of Her immediate priority will be the much-
Domestic Bursar posts available at the needed modernisation of Balliol’s HR
time, Fran chose Balliol ‘because of its systems. Otherwise she expects she will be
ideals’, she says, especially that of social ‘pulling things together’ rather than making
responsibility – she was impressed by the any major changes. Dunn School’s 75-year history – which
refugee scholarship which was in the news Asked what she likes best about Balliol, includes the development of penicillin –
then. The website ‘threw it at you that a lot Fran replies, ‘I love the buildings and seems as nothing compared with Balliol’s
of good was going on’ here. the gardens, and the feeling that we are 750-plus years. ‘I want to help make sure
‘Starting afresh after ten years in my preserving something old and historic.’ The that Balliol’s here in another 750 years.’
8 FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018Visit from the
Met Commissioner
Jonathan Windsor (2015) reports from the Younger Society
On Saturday 2 December 2017, the
Aidan Balfe
Younger Society had the honour of
receiving Cressida Dick, the current and first
female Commissioner of the Metropolitan
Police, as the guest of honour at its 71st
Annual Dinner. Cressida Dick is familiar with
Oxford, particularly Balliol, having grown
up in the city and come from a long line
of people affiliated with the College, and
being an Old Member (1979) herself. She
has previously served as Area Commander
for Oxford and as a Superintendent in the
Thames Valley Police (she was interviewed Katie Lawrence-Smith (Secretary), Professor Timothy Endicott (Blanesburgh Fellow and
by this publication back in 1997 on her Tutor in Law), the Commissioner, Grant Lamond (Frankfurter Fellow and Tutor in Law)
appointment to that post). and Talia Keskin (President)
The Younger Society comprises every
current and past Balliol lawyer, and holds to meet the physical requirements for entry aiding police, she observed that currently
its annual dinner at the end of Michaelmas only by convincing her doctor that she the vast majority of police cases are solved
Term in Balliol’s Hall. Thus after a good was four inches taller than she actually was. through the use of technology, specifically
half hour of socialising and drinking in the However, she made it clear that obstacles surveillance and forensics, rather than older
Buttery, guests were invited up to the Hall such as insufficient height or minor methods such as the use of witnesses.
for dinner, which consisted of a delicious infractions no longer prevent people from The Metropolitan Police Service is
three-course meal served to Balliol’s joining the Metropolitan Police. experiencing a difficult time, Ms Dick
typically high standards. After dessert, the The Commissioner said that in the noted. It is grappling with a large expansion
Younger Society’s President, Talia Keskin, gave course of her career she had observed in its duties, while facing considerable
a short speech introducing Cressida Dick to an immense change in law enforcement, budget cuts, at the same time as being
the Society before giving her the floor. both in its culture and in its methodology. careful to maintain the public’s trust and
Ms Dick began by thanking the Younger When she was starting out, there was a meet its high expectations. Brexit and the
Society for allowing her to attend, as prevailing attitude amongst those who related political turmoil it has brought have
the Society is reserved for Balliol people enforce the law that they enjoyed special also raised issues for the Met, particularly
involved with law, though she observed rights and privileges above the rule of law, in relation to funding and security, and has
that her invitation was merited through her and that the judicial system would not increased the pressure on it to serve as a
career in enforcement of the law. How she pursue them for any alleged wrongdoing. force for, and symbol of, stability. She also
came to her current position stemmed a The Metropolitan Police was also quite touched upon the Met’s relationship with
great deal from the influence of her father, racist and sexist. Since then, however, it the current Prime Minister, Mrs May having
M.W. Dick (1939 and Fellow), she said, even has made great strides in addressing these served for a considerable amount of time
though, despite being a Balliol Dean, he issues, by including minorities and women as Home Secretary prior to her elevation.
was not overly found of law enforcement in its ranks and making progress in ensuring The Commissioner’s speech received
himself, especially traffic wardens. Recalling that law enforcement keeps within the much applause, as the audience found
a number of anecdotes relating to legal and judicial system. In this respect she her discussion about her career and her
escapades Balliol students committed welcomed the use of body cameras on broader discussion about law enforcement
during her time as a student, most of police officers to ensure that they carry engaging and stimulating, and were pleased
them directed at a specific college in close out their duties properly and transparently. to learn of the progress that the police
proximity to Balliol, she wryly noted that the She emphasised that law enforcement have made in addressing criticisms of them.
Metropolitan Police’s intake of Balliol alumni has become a highly trusted process and The Younger Society is most grateful to
was not large and several had been rejected that it is important that police continue to Commissioner Cressida Dick and we look
on the basis of College misdemeanours. have the support and trust of the public. forward to her continued involvement in
She revealed that she herself had managed Returning to the theme of technology our Balliol College community.
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 9New Outreach Officer
As a former deputy head teacher at an Floreat access programme for year 12
Rob Judges
inner-city school with a high proportion students; another she’ll be giving talks to
of disadvantaged students, Pravahi Osman schools in Hertfordshire, the College’s
knows how hard it can be for teachers to link region.
support a small number of able students What is the main challenge in her
within a school to apply to Oxford. She work, does she think? ‘It’s about raising
is also passionate about students being aspirations,’ Pravahi says. ‘Misconceptions
able to achieve their full potential through about Oxford and a lack of understanding
higher education. So she saw the post of of the admissions process among teachers
David Freeman Outreach Officer at Balliol can be a toxic mix that permeates
as an opportunity to help, using both her through to students.’ Working through
teaching experience and also skills she teachers, she believes – communicating
learned during a spell as an education what Oxford offers, directing teachers
consultant. ‘I see my role at Balliol as to information and resources, helping
bridging the gap between schools and the them to navigate their way through
Oxford admissions process,’ she says. the admissions process – is the way to
Since arriving at Balliol in Michaelmas improving students’ access to Oxford.
2017, she’s been enjoying the diversity of In particular, she wants to help teachers
the job. One day she might be briefing build their own programmes for able moment they enter secondary school.
the Student Ambassadors who help her students, so that they can nurture their ‘By helping teachers we can stop the
with visiting school groups and open days; appetite for learning, ensure that they pipeline for able students narrowing.’ For
another she’ll be working with graduate make the best curricular choices and more such initiatives that Pravahi will be
students who are teaching on Balliol’s give them sustained support from the developing at Balliol, watch this space.
Admissions video
Watch, like and share: Balliol has a new By a happy coincidence the producer
undergraduate admissions video! Through and editor was Suzy Shepherd (2012), who
interviews with students, the video aims graduated from Balliol in Classics in 2016.
to show potential applicants what Balliol is ‘I really loved making this film,’ she says. ‘It
like and to address some of the concerns was great to be back at Balliol (however
they may have, such as the admissions briefly), and everyone went out of their way
process and whether or not they will fit in. to make things easy for me – I could always
We hope that the positive sentiments of find someone willing to be in a shot or to
students from different backgrounds and wave at the camera, and all the interviewees
cultures – who variously describe Balliol spoke about Balliol with genuine warmth
as ‘a close-knit community’, ‘made up of and conviction. I saw some familiar faces
people like me’, ‘a place to grow and learn’, and got to know a few new ones. Nice to
‘an institution which genuinely cares about know Balliol is as friendly as ever!’
its students’ – combined with scenes of We hope that everyone in the Balliol
JCR life will encourage potential applicants community will enjoy it. We ask you to
to apply. help disseminate it as widely possible by
The video will be a tool for the liking it and sharing it on social media and
Outreach Officer to use at school visits, bringing it to the attention of any school
Open Days and outreach events, as well students, parents, teachers or schools who
as improving what potential applicants you think may be interested.
can learn about Balliol from the website;
it is also available on YouTube. The first
Watch Balliol’s new video at:
Balliol admissions video since 1987, it was
https://youtu.be/TxexGQ79SGA
created by Angel Sharp.
10 FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018Ian Farrell
Ian Farrell
Ian Farrell
Our Oxford trip
Year 11 students at Wilnecote High School describe their
visit to Balliol with their teacher Ian Farrell (1984)
We woke on a Monday morning bright like and that students do have fun. She told printed in 1616. After a hesitant start,
(well, brightish) and early, and set off slightly us about the range of independent roles we surprised ourselves and impressed
bleary-eyed for Oxford. Thanks to the that exist for students, such as being a JCR the Librarian with how much we were
usual M42 mayhem, the journey was a long officer responsible for organising themed able to discover as we delved deeper.
one (slightly too long for the bladders of social events, and reassured us that the Sadly we had to get back to the
some), but we eventually arrived at the view of life at Oxford we had arrived with Park and Ride to avoid the rush-hour
Park and Ride. We were on our way to was far from the truth. In short, meeting traffic, so Mr Farrell prevented a quick
Balliol with stereotypical expectations of a Daisy opened our eyes and made us realise trip to Greggs or Five Guys, but we had
‘posh’ college for ‘posh’ people – nothing how wrong some of our preconceptions thoroughly enjoyed the day and valued
like us – and the grandiose approach on were. Daisy also told us about the College’s the experience of gaining an insight into
Broad Street did nothing to allay our fears; extensive emotional and spiritual support what university life could be like for us in
but what we found could not have been network, before showing us the magnificent the future; we particularly enjoyed seeing
further from our expectations. Chapel, the majesty of which was the College from a student’s point of view.
When we entered the grounds of the unmistakable whatever creed you were. Oxford University seems unattainable for
College, the enormity of it took us aback Lunch was in the Hall, which was many people because of money worries
as we stood surrounded on all sides by breathtaking; it felt like walking into or negative preconceptions. While the
the magnificent stone buildings. However, Hogwarts, with Balliol’s ‘greats’ gazing academic expectations are certainly high,
when we went inside the buildings we dramatically down from the walls as we we found that Oxford provides great
were surprised by how intimate and cosy ate. It was then on to the Library, where support with financial issues and it is an
the College felt. We were shown round we were able to see a 1632 portfolio of excellent option for anyone prepared to
by Daisy Porter, a third-year student, who Shakespeare’s complete works and even work hard. On behalf of the Wilnecote
gave us an insight into student life at Balliol had a go at translating some Latin. We students, we would, therefore, like to offer
and at Oxford generally. She explained how then separated into groups to compare our sincere gratitude for the brilliant time
Oxford isn’t at all what you might think it is and contrast two title pages from books we had when we visited Balliol College.
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 11Chinese visitors
Balliol welcomed a group from Tsinghua University
On 25 January 2018 Balliol had the Xinyu Luo, a first-year Engineering commitments in the afternoon; otherwise
pleasure of receiving a visit from 64 student, was another Balliol guide. I would have offered to show them
students and four professors from Xinya ‘When I heard a cohort of students some really cool places around Oxford.’
College, Tsinghua University. Chinese Balliol from Tsinghua was going to visit Balliol, a Following the tour Dr Nicola Trott
students took time out of their studies to stream of thoughts echoed with a part (Senior Tutor) showed the visitors a
meet their compatriots and to give them a of me that had long ceased to exist. I video of Professor Adam Smyth (Fellow
tour of the College. was once like them, being top of the and Tutor in English Literature) talking
‘I was delighted to welcome my peers year group, receiving a scholarship and to an Oxford student about her work
from Tsinghua’s Xinya College, a newly preparing to prove my values and hard on Shakespeare, and conducted a group
established residential liberal arts college work with an excellent score in the reading of W.B. Yeats’s poem ‘Sailing to
within the most prestigious institution in Gaokao, the National Higher Education Byzantium’. She and Professor Gao Jin led a
China,’ said Aohan Qu, a first-year Balliol Entrance Exam, in order to enter one discussion among the students, after which
undergraduate reading Economics and of the top unis, Tsinghua and Peking, they had lunch in Balliol Hall.
Management. ‘It was a pleasure showing in China. But cut off from the Chinese The Tsinghua group came to Balliol
them around the places that I live, education system at the age of 16, I as part of a week-long trip to Oxford,
work, and play in on a daily basis, and came to Balliol instead. The tour was during which they learned about an
chatting with them about the daily life memorable. The looks on the students’ Oxford University education and student
of a typical Oxford student. They asked faces when touring our Library reminded life through talks and tours at three
very interesting questions about Oxford, me of the same excitement I had when other colleges, as well as visiting Oxford’s
mostly about the collegiate system and our I was fresh off the boat. And it was both museums and libraries. Pravahi Osman
traditions. One of the things that impressed interesting and thought-provoking to see (David Freeman Outreach Officer), who
them the most was the change of colour how we can take a different path yet arranged the visit, said, ‘We hope that our
of carnation that students wear to exams, eventually meet again at a point in space visitors enjoyed the occasion as much as
which is both fun and reflects the academic and time, with totally different identities. we did and that it will be the beginning of
rigour of Oxford’s exams.’ It was unfortunate that I had academic a lasting relationship with Xinya College.’
Professor Cao Li
‘One of the things that
impressed them the most
was the change of colour
of carnation that students
wear to exams, which
is both fun and reflects
the academic rigour
of Oxford’s exams.’
Professor Cao Li
12 FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018Steve Smyth
Steve Smyth
Steve Smyth
Steve Smyth
Steve Smyth
Groundbreaking ceremony
at the Master’s Field
In one of his final acts as Master, on was attended by Balliol’s new Master, Dame new sports pavilion and other facilities
24 March 2018 Professor Sir Drummond Helen Ghosh, Anthony Nagle (Construction for College Members are also part of
Bone broke the ground at the site of Director for BAM Construction-South the scheme. The first of the new student
the Master’s Field Project in a ceremony East), as well as representatives from rooms are due to be completed at the
that marked the start of work by the Bidwells (project managers) and Niall end of 2018/early 2019, so that students
construction engineering company BAM. McLaughlin Architects Ltd, and others living in the Martin and Dellal buildings can
The ceremony followed the completion of who have been involved in the project. move into them, following which Martin
demolition and enabling works by Maylarch, The development will transform and Dellal will be demolished. The current
including the demolition of Eastman House, Balliol’s accommodation offering to both schedule (which may be subject to change
the old sports pavilion, and St Cross 3a, 3b undergraduates and postgraduates by as work progresses) is for phase one to be
and 5 and their garages, and the removal creating over 200 study bedrooms for completed by April 2019 and the whole
of asbestos and vegetation. The ceremony students; accommodation for Fellows, a project to be completed by June 2020.
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 13Kristi and Richard Old Coyote and
horses dressed in full Crow regalia,
ready for the Crow Fair parade.
Horses and art in
Northern Plains tribes
Natalie Hill (2012) did fieldwork with North American Indians
My research for my DPhil traces the – and indeed the importance of, and various sites in Wyoming, some Blackfoot
history of human-horse relations in North interaction with, the horse – change over Reserves and historical sites in Alberta
American Indian communities and how time to reflect changing relations between (Canada), and important sites and project
these relationships are represented in humans and animals, and if so, how these participants in North and South Dakota.
art – specifically in the Northern Plains changes manifest themselves. I was lucky enough to be invited to join
region, from c.1700 to the present day. I I spent almost 10 months in the United a Lakota youth group from the Cheyenne
am interested in how historic relationships States, both visiting museums and doing River Reservation, who were one of
were represented in art and craft items, fieldwork. I travelled around the Northern many groups retracing the steps of their
at a time when horses were a major Plains, especially Montana, where I lived on ancestors on their way to the Battle of the
catalyst for change within Plains tribes, the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and Little Bighorn. My research often consists
as well as how horses and horse-related the Crow Reservation. The distances are of participant observation – getting
activities are represented in Plains Indian vast, and nothing can prepare you for the involved where I can, finding out about
art today. The representation of animals in incredible landscapes, from the Rocky and peoples’ relationships with horses through
art is a cognitive understanding of a lived Bighorn Mountain ranges, to the Badlands experiencing them, and conversing with
experience made material: an illustration of and multitudes of buttes, canyons, and river people. In this case I found out about things
the importance of animals in human culture. systems; the Plains are hardly ever flat! I also such as why the youth group was set up,
In my thesis, I ask if these representations visited the Blackfeet Reservation (Montana), how taking part in the ride helps the group,
14 FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018how the individuals connect to horses, and The opportunity to examine
what role horses have in their lives. human-horse relations and art items in
I followed several Indian Relay teams contemporary life was made possible for
through their training and races. This me by my Peter Storey Scholarship, in
sport, said to have evolved from the conjunction with an AHRC Award and
horsemanship of buffalo hunters and Travel Grant. When I experienced mishaps
horseback warriors, is enjoying a huge surge – my car, camera and mobile phone all
in popularity. It involves one rider, three broke at some point – extra funding,
horses, and several ‘muggers’ who hold the including Balliol Graduate and Maintenance
extra horses at the side of the track, so Grants, enabled me to replace these,
that after one lap on a horse, the rider can and to buy other essential equipment,
leap off and on to the next horse for the such as cold weather gear for when the
next lap. It is all done bareback, at incredible temperature reached –4 to –27°C.
speed, and at considerable danger to horses I am enormously grateful for this
and humans alike. The horses are painted opportunity for research, which I am
with designs that can also be seen in combining with research into historical
historical visual sources, such as ledger art. sources, to give me a more in-depth
Another form of horse decoration and multi-faceted picture of the story
is the beaded and embellished regalia of how people relate to horses in the
A keyhole design headpiece made with
that are worn in parades. People Northern Plains.
dyed horse hair.
combine old family pieces with newly
made items in displays that visually
communicate crafts(wo)manship, wealth,
family connections, cultural pride and
enjoyment. Such a parade is held at Crow
Fair (also known as the Tipi Capital of
the World), the biggest event of the year
in Crow Country. I was very fortunate
to stay with the Old Coyotes in a tipi
at the Real Bird camp. Here I observed
the preparations for the parade, the
‘dressing’ of the horses, and the making of
some of the regalia. I was able to talk to
beadworkers about their art and closely
examine regalia items, such as the keyhole
headpiece shown above. I researched
similar items in museum collections.
Travelling with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe on their ride from Lame Deer towards
the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Natalie arrives with the group at
their next camp site. Sheridan WYO Rodeo Week Parade.
FLOREAT DOMUS JUNE 2018 15You can also read
