In memory of former Vice-Provost David Bowles, 1937-2021

We are saddened to hear of the death of David Bowles, former Vice-Provost, who worked at UCL from 1970-1996. David was born in Hampstead, north-west London, into a close-knit and loving family when World War II and its aftermath of austerity dominated the lives of everyone in Britain. Upon returning to London from Bournemouth, where he had been evacuated during the Blitz, his quick mind, love of literature and theatrical talent won him a scholarship to Marylebone Grammar School - the first in his family to attend such an establishment. Upon leaving school he took a job as an articled clerk at a chartered accountancy firm to support his family, but in the course of time realised his ambition of getting a degree in English Literature by studying at Birkbeck during nights, even when he was working for his accountancy papers by day. In 1970 David joined UCL from Middlesex Hospital Medical School, as an officer in the Finance Department. His analytical mind, keen eye for detail and diligence ensured the upward trajectory of his career; in 1978 he became Finance Secretary and Accountant and was promoted to Director of Finance and Planning in 1989. In the 1980s, with the then Provost Sir James Lighthill, he played a major role in reorientating more equitably the way the University Grants Committee's grant was distributed to the colleges of the federal University of London.