Robin Hugh Dennyson Stoddart

A gift to create a gallery

After graduating, Robin Stoddart (Economics and Politics, Hatfield College 1955-1958) had a distinguished career as a financial journalist.  He worked for several financial journals and national newspapers before becoming a regular columnist with The Guardian.  Robin’s background was from the north of England, and he spent his childhood in Teesdale.  He greatly enjoyed his time at Durham, where he played rugby for Hatfield, and became the president of the Students’ Union in his final year.

Although Robin’s career took him south to be nearer London, he held his Durham days close to his heart and chose to remember them with a gift in his will.  Robin had a great curiosity and zest to learn, and his generous gift was used in part to fund a gallery in his and his mother’s names.  The Dennyson Stoddart Gallery serves as an exhibition space in Palace Green Library, and it allows a space for public engagement as well as educational outreach.  One of the first exhibitions to be held in the gallery was that of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

This profound gift from Robin has created a powerful bridge, tying both Robin’s lasting memories of his happy time at Durham with our vibrant and ongoing work within the community.  This gift will provide benefits for our community of scholars, academics, local residents, and visitors to the World Heritage Site for generations into the future.