MyGlasgow News

At an informal reception just before the Christmas and New Year break the University of Glasgow bade farewell to Lesley Richmond, University Archivist and Deputy Director of the Library.

Scores of friends and colleagues from the University gathered in the Main Building's Ferguson Room to toast Lesley and wish her well in retirement.

A history graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Lesley told the gathering that as she embarked on her career she'd told friends she would work anywhere except London and Glasgow. She went on: "Needless to say the only two places that I have ever worked are London and Glasgow!"

"I came for an interview 30 years ago because of the amazing collections the University holds that speak of the ingenuity, innovation, hard work and confidence of the people of Glasgow and Scotland.

"Whether it is among the University’s own archives or those of Scottish business, stories and examples of great endeavour, success and inspiration abound. It has been a great privilege to ensure these examples are being used to tell the world-changing story of the University of Glasgow.

"It may have been the collections that first attracted me to the University but it's the people I have worked with and the wide variety of opportunities I have had that kept me here. No two days are ever the same.

"I have worked with so many people over the years in a very wide range of subject areas and you have all been great to work with. I have always been amazed by the detail of what academic colleagues know and their ability to explain it in a way that all – including me - can understand. I have always admired and been grateful for the professionalism of colleagues in University Services and their willingness to do that little bit extra for a student, colleague or visitor which gives this place its warmth and energy. But it is having been able to be part of the learning and teaching of students and staff that has been a major highlight of 30 years."

Lesley said that other highlights of her career had been working on the production of the book Building Knowledge by author Nick Haynes - the definite resource on the development of the University’s buildings on the High Street and on Gilmorehill over six centuries. She also contributed to Friendly Shelves – the history of the University Library and its collections.

"My proudest moment," said Lesley, "was of course revealing to the world that Doctor Who is indeed a graduate of the University of Glasgow!"

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First published: 9 January 2017