In celebrating Philippa Maddern's life and legacy, her friends, family and colleagues from around the world have shared their words and memories.
We've chosen to collect some of the writing inspired by Phlippa's loss. In a moving obituary in The Australian, colleagues and friends remember her wit, energy and fierce sense of justice. We put out a special issue memorial E-newsletter, Remembering Philippa Maddern with a piece written by her close family the Champion family, reflections on her leadership and vision for CHE, and a piece Philippa wrote herself. A collective post from CERAE Journal editorial staff offer memories of this many faceted and much missed leader and friend.
Condolences
I am deeply saddened by Philippa's passing and offer her family and friends my deepest sympathy. I shall miss her as a dear colleague as well as a delightful and most sincere friend. Memories of immeasurable kindness and generosity, coupled with intellectual precision and sharp wit are at the forefront of my thoughts. Philippa was an amazing person in every way.
Jane Davidson
The Centre for the History of Emotions
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Philippa was the most extraordinary mentor to an entire generation of Australian women medievalist scholars who will all, I am sure, miss her enormously. It has been wonderful having the support of Philippa's wise and guiding hand as I pursued an academic career. She was generous of her time and insight, dedicated to furthering the careers and opportunities available to others, forthright, pragmatic, caring, and equipped with an incisive mind and wit. I will miss her very much.
Juanita Ruys
CHE, University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia
***
Vale Philippa! you will be remembered with gratitude and fondness by all of us.
Deirdre Coleman
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
***
Pip, you have been a much-loved friend and colleague for many years but it was only last night, sitting with your family and extended family, that I began to get some sense of the unusual richness of your life and your many talents (music, art and craft, fiction writing) beyond academe. You were curious, funny, passionate in your convictions, fiercely loyal and loving to your friends. It is difficult to imagine a more suitable director for our Centre for the History of Emotions, which you truly led from the heart.
Yasmin Haskell
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful mentor and lovely woman. I've known Pip since I was a student 20 years ago and have benefited from her wisdom, scholarship, guidance and support immeasurably over the years. She was the staunchest of advocates for medieval studies in this country. I will miss her enormously.
Megan Cassidy-Welch
Monash University
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Philippa changed the world for the better in so many ways. Her extraordinary generosity and deep understanding touched the hearts of everybody who came into contact with her, inspiring deep trust and love. She was a selfless, true leader who guided and shaped a whole intellectual and emotional movement with her clarity of thought and tireless energy. Her individual contribution to the Humanities, and especially Medieval History and the History of Emotions, was astonishing, but it was always expressed in a spirit of fully co-operative and collegial encouragement. Philippa was always a beautiful spirit and a wonderful friend, and I shall miss her deeply.
Bob White
Centre for History of Emotions
Perth, WA
***
Dear Pip, we are all better for having known you, and sadder now you're gone. Your incredible energy, goodwill, and humour were both legendary and infectious. So many of us owe you so much at so many levels. The discipline of medieval studies in Australia has been transformed by your dedication and vision. It alsways seemed to me that your success was inseparable from the fact that you were always utterly authentic as an intellectual and a person. You will be greately, greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Louise D'Arcens
University of Wollongong
NSW, Australia
***
I will miss my very dear friend Pip so much. She was such a wonderful teacher, generous mentor, loving friend and inspiring colleague. Pip had boundless intellectual curiosity, an insightful question or thought on every topic, and time to share with anyone who asked for her help or support. She also gave the most fantastic Christmas presents imaginable - the many 'Pip presents' we received over the years were, just like Pip, quietly left without fuss, impossible to guess by their wrapping, always carefully considered, funny, historical, quirky, and came by the dozen!
Sue Broomhall
The Centre for the History of Emotions
Perth, Western Australia
***
This is very sad news. Philippa's unfailing energy, high-spirits and devotion to History and the work of Centre even in the last difficult weeks has been, and will always be, a source of inspiration for me.
Francois Soyer
CHE, The University of Adelaide
***
Dearest Pip, you were a friend, a confidant, a mentor and an inspiration to me for over 20 years. I knew from that very first lecture I saw you give as a 'candidate' for a rare vacant position in medieval history that you would become a driving force in our discipline both here at UWA and around the world. You will be so very missed by all your many friends and colleagues and my thoughts are especially with your family and your special friend Gaye at this time. You will be forever in our hearts and minds.
Claire McIlroy
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
“Death lies on her, like an untimely frost/ Upon the sweetest flower of all the field”. Rest in peace, Philippa; you may have left this world, but your influence will live on forever.
Ciara Rawnsley
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia
***
I feel a very great privilege to have known Philippa, whose courage and kindness have given heart-warming strength to so many. I shall always remember and admire her carefree and joyous yet profoundly committed and intelligent way of forming and running the Centre and giving vibrant life to all the students and colleagues who came to know her. To have been so clever, funny, modest and generous with such strong moral purpose through the toughest of times is a very sad loss but a very memorable achievement that will comfort her nearest and dearest and so many others. What a precious person she was and how much we will miss her.
In loving memory,
Richard Read
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia
***
Philippa's huge zest for life, intelligence and generosity to everyone around her make her unforgettable. I feel privileged to have known her and grateful for her many kindnesses. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends; she will always be remembered with love and respect by the countless colleagues, students, friends whose lives she touched. She was a genuine, lovely, unique person.
Helen Vella Bonavita
Edith Cowan University
Perth, Western Australia
***
How terribly sad. I feel for Philippa's family and friends and offer them my sympathy and heartfelt best wishes at this difficult time. While grieving, we should also celebrate Philippa's life and achievements. Working with her and the team to develop the bid for the Centre for the History of Emotions (and celebrating with her when the bid was successful!) I learnt what a great character and devoted leader and mentor she was. I will miss her greatly.
Alistar Robertson,
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia
***
Dear Pip,
Over many years, I've seen with deep admiration your fierce wish to get the best outcomes for the good things you believed in, and especially for other people. The CHE is only one expression of that. You are my idea of a teacher and a leader. Rest in peace.
With love,
Andrew Lynch,
CHE, The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Dear Philippa, A vital part of the 'life and laughter' in our work place is missing this morning - and yet as I look out my window across this beautiful campus, a Perth storm is brewing. I'm sure I can feel your energy and determination in the wind, and your vitality for living and generosity of spirit in the promise of much-needed rain. And I am reassured that in some way you will alway be with us - guiding and encouraging the team. I am so priviliged to have had the oppportunity to know you and to work with you over many years. My life, as with many others, has been enriched by your presence. Rest in peace Pip.
With love and best wishes always
Pam Bond
CHE,The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
From first meeting, Philippa was warm and welcoming, immediately interested in you and engaged in your research. As a new scholar to Australia, she brought me into the fold at so many levels. As an academic, she provided a model to aspire to - generous, friendly and with an amazing ability to see the heart of the problem and ask the probing question that exposed its core. Her intellectual vigour coupled with her warm collegiality, democratic vision and support for other scholars became the values of the CHE, making it such a fabulous place to work at a personal and intellectual level. What a fabulous legacy; long may it live on!
Katie Barclay
CHE, University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA
***
Philippa will be much missed. A talented and original scholar, but always a modest one, she was an extraordinary leader of CHE, and an inspiration to us all, in both institutional and personal terms. Philippa was an extraordinary model of intellectual generosity, mentorship and support to others, especially (but not only) younger scholars, without ever, for a second, compromising her own intellectual and critical judgment. It was typical of her selfless generosity that she was so cheerful and bright just last week, sustaining her colleagues through the review of her Centre.
I first met Philippa at Melbourne in the early 80s when she organised the Medievalists' Discussion Circle. This group eventually became the Medieval Round Table, which is about to enter its 20th year. Philippa's spirit of collegiality — and her endless spirit of curiosity and engagement — has created a lasting legacy for medieval and early modern scholarship in this country.
Stephanie Trigg
CHE, The University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Such sad news. Philippa was always so lovely and friendly to me. I have had so many people I went through uni with tell me 'Philippa stories' of her wit, warmth, and inspiring teaching. Much sympathy to her family and friends.
Laurie Ormond
Sydney, NSW
***
A sad loss for so many reasons. She was a striking speaker, organiser and a very generous supporter of my work, even if more removed from the CHE.
Han Baltussen
Hughes Professor of Classics
Adelaide, SA
***
Philippa welcomed our family with incredible generosity, and had many little piggies go to the market on my toddlers' toes. If they know and love the classics of Australian children literature, it is thanks to her.
One late afternoon last year, on her way to one of her many trips to tirelessly connect CHE with the best and brightest of historians of emotions worldwide, Philippa was printing a pile of papers to take on the plane. She reenacted for me with much gusto by the printer a visit to a dusty Oxford don she had needed to interview during her PhD. The venerable man expressed surprise at seeing her, and, with stiff upper lip: 'why, in my days, ladies were making tea, not reading history at Oxford'. 'I ain't no lady' Pip replied fiercely.
I believe she truly was -- Just not the tea-making type.
Raphaële Garrod
CHE, The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Thank you Philippa for having been an exceptional mentor and an outstanding scholar, for your amazing strength, your sharp wit and your contagious love for life!
Giovanni Tarantino
CHE, The University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Philippa was a supportive mentor, always willing to provide helpful advice through her unique combination of wisdom and wit. More importantly, her incredible generosity extended well beyond academic work (her Christmas presents and Easter treats, to cite only two examples, delighted my children every year). She will be greatly missed.
Spencer Young
CHE, The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Philippa, thank you so much for all you have given me. You were an amazing woman and I was always in awe of your boundless enthusiasm and great generosity. You will be very much missed.
Charlotte-Rose Millar
CHE, The University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Philippa was a wonderful person, a great teacher, and a brilliant scholar; I am deeply saddened by her passing, and wish her family my sincerest condolences.
Michael Ovens
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
On behalf of the whole of ANZAMEMS, I would like to record the huge contribution Philippa made to medieval and modern studies, not just in this part of the world, but globally. I had the privilege of first working with her when I arrived in Australia at Monash University in 1977. I recall how even then her passion for medieval studies, which extended to a love for making music. I know what a struggle those early years were to establish herself in an academic career. I marvelled at the energy with which she estabished herself as a medievalist at UWA, and then how much she contributed to meetings of the Association, as its president for a good number of years. So much has happened out of the friendships that she was able to generate, that have had enormously positive repercussions for creating a model of research as a collective endeavour. I will miss the gutsiness that she loved to give to the research endeavour, an energy that has been rewarded a hundred fold. May she rest in peace.
Constant Mews
President, ANZAMEMS
Monash University, Victoria
***
Philippa was a model not only of how to be a scholar but also of how to live one's life. Her brilliance, warmth, and selfless generosity will be greatly missed.
Jerry Parrott
Georgetown University
Washington DC, USA
***
Philippa was a great teacher for me, and she'll be sorely missed by everyone who worked with her
Tim Dymond
Perth
***
I am typing this message in my office at the University of Western Australia. I am surrounded by my research, PhD in hand, with years of teaching experience. None of this would have happened without Philippa. Outside of my immediate family, no-one has had a more profound impact on my life than Pip. She was a brilliant, wonderful soul, who made me a better scholar, and a better person, for having known and worked with her. The world is a smaller place without her in it. She will be missed always.
Andrew Broertjes
History, The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
An excellent woman, talented scholar, and inspirational for woman writers in the very male dominated world of Australian SF writing. I always wished she could have got back to her fiction, which was superb, but it was not to be.
Lucy Sussex
Federation University
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Rest in Peace, Pippa. I will remember you fondly and am saddened by this loss. You were a wonderful, warm person; the best kind of academic who supported myself and my friends through our undergrad and post-grad studies and kept encouraging us as we made the transition into ECR. Your legacy will live on.
Dr Laura D'Olimpio
Philosophy PhD, UWA
Perth, WA
***
Philippa was an amazing woman. I remember first being taught by her as a second year . She would almost skip into every lecture, delivering each one as a mystery, clearly still fascinated by the material, even after years of teaching.
She always remembered my name, even as I progressed through undergrad, Honours, and postgrad. I remember poking my head around her door and asking if she had five minutes to answer a question for me. She invited me in and sat down with me for ages, discussing a chapter of my MA thesis I was struggling with. Her generosity was amazing, as was the breadth of her knowledge.
Her loss diminishes UWA and I am deeply saddened to know she is gone. I will miss her fun loving and enduring spirit.
Aisling
Student, UWA
Perth, WA
***
A terrible loss to UWA, Pip was the consummate educator, generous and kind to everyone!
Cecilia Leong-Salobir
University of Wollongong
Wollongong
***
Philippa you were a truly inspiring leader of the Centre of Emotions, and were able to articulate the key issues of any discussion or lecture so perceptively, I was in awe. You will be sorely missed by so many people whose lives you touched and changed for the better.
Lisa Beven
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW
***
My most heartfelt condolences to Philippa's family and friends for their loss. From my first year at university, Philippa made medieval history fascinating. Later on, she encouraged me to begin my PhD, and her energy and passion made this seem like the most logical and easy choice, in fact, the only really reasonable one. As a teacher and a supervisor she was always accessible, with a formidable body of knowledge on recall. Philippa was perceptive, considered and subtle in her direction. She was truly a brilliant and engaging teacher, and naturally commanded the utmost respect as a person and academic. I will indeed miss her sorely. She will remain an inspiration.
Clare Davidson
Doctoral Student
Perth, WA
***
I am very saddened by Philippa's passing. I will miss her sense of humour, her singing baroque songs and of course her scholarship and leadership in humanities research.
Susan Takao
Institute of Advanced Studies, UWA
Perth
***
On behalf of the History Council of Westerna Australia, please accept our most sincere condolences. Philippa was generous in her support of the Council, presenting at our AGM in 2012. On a personal note, I appreciated Philippa's knowledge and expertise as an early modern scholar, and deeply enjoyed hearing her sing. Her rich dark voice provided the necessary depth to many an unaccompanied madrigal or canson.
Lise Summers
History Council of WA
Perth, WA
***
In the three years that I knew Philippa, I quickly recognized in her the epitome of the academic I aspire to be: she was led by a humble but unceasing intellectual curiosity, she was generous to all, and truly passionate about her subject and her colleagues. A great love and appreciation of life seemed to motivate all that she did and the way that she treated others. I will miss her steadying presence, and offer her family and friends my sincere condolences. She has left a legacy of people around the world inspired by her work and her life who will continue in her footsteps.
Rebecca McNamara
CHE, The University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW
***
Philippa was a fantastically inspiring scholar, as well as being kind, generous, eccentric and very funny. I'm deeply saddened that she is no longer with us, and I'm sure that a legion of colleagues, friends, and former and current students feel the same. My deepest sympathies to Pip's close friends and family.
Lisa MacKinney
Former UWA PhD student
Perth, WA
***
I am one of the people who was touched by Philippa fleetingly, but so profoudly. I did not experience her teaching or her mentorship. I simply witnessed her speak out, fearlessly, eloquently, passionately. Sometimes in meetings, sometimes in seminars, sometimes in the corrdor where debates were being held. One memorable time, at Trish Crawford's funeral in 2009, where she paid tribute to my mentor and great friend. More often than not, Philippa would be vocalising a view I wanted to put forward but was not brave enough to. She was a woman I admired so much, and now I must renew my efforts to emulate her intelligence and courage in my own life. Thank you, Philippa.
Jeska Rees
La Trobe University
Bendigo, Victoria
***
Philippa's vision deeply touched me. I will miss greatly her physical presence and will be inspired by her life’s work and her generous heart.
Dr Daniela Kaleva
University of South Australia
Adelaide
***
I remember sitting in my first Medieval History lecture almost a decade ago now, and feeling so fired up to learn because of the passion Philippa brought into every lesson, every discussion, every room. Even where her husband passed away, she was nothing less than a consummate teacher, a mother of the mind. She always had time for a question and a chat, and even though I haven't seen her in months, I have always carried her around in my head as an inspiration to learn, grow, and seek wisdom. She will remain here, in my mind, as I am sure she will remain forever in the minds of countless others.
Tara Auty
Perth, WA
***
12 years ago, sitting in my first medieval history lecture, I was immediately captivated by Philippa's incisive and passionate enthusiasm for her subject. Her late Friday afternoon tutorials were wonderful - she would ply us with tea and biscuits then warmly but relentlessly demand the very best from our awakening braincells. She was a true inspiration both as a person and scholar and she will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.
Sylvia Kershaw
Perth, WA
***
I only knew Pip briefly but gravitated to her strong will, intellect and generosity. I am deeply sadden by her passing and wish I could have learnt more from her. Yet she has left a brilliant and incredible group of people behind who will strive, seek and build knowledge and understanding based on her vision and leadership. Her memory will stay with all of us.
Rest in peace or maybe not rest Pip but continue on finding a new way.
Rebecca Millar
Zest Festival
Kalbarri, WA
***
Always generous, always lively, Philippa moved people with her warmth and presence. May she rest in peace - although we also know that people like her are never truly gone, and her presence will endure in what she made of the world she leaves behind.
Sanna Peden
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
I'm so very sad to learn of Pip's death, her warmth and laughter, passion and curiosity were without measure. A wonderful woman, the kindest friend and mentor. My sincere sympathy to family and friends.
Jane Long
La Trobe University,
Melbourne
***
Some of us are historians because of Philippa. Some of us learned to think outside the box because of Philippa. Some of us realised that it’s okay to read between the lines, and to study poor women, or children’s experiences, or emotions, because of Philippa. Some of us know what support and encouragement feel like because of Philippa. Some of us are better teachers because of Philippa. Some of us are determined and resilient advocates because of Philippa. Some of us know to always make copies because of Philippa. Today we have lost one of the kindest, most engaging and truly inspirational women I’ve had the pleasure to know. Vale Philippa.
Joanne McEwan
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Philippa was one of the kindest and most welcoming teaching staff members in the Arts Faculty and honestly made my time completing my Arts degree exponentially more enjoyable. She was unfailingly understanding and generous to me during a tough time when I needed not only a forgiving lecturer but also a friendly face to give comfort. She often said hello and stopped for a chat years after I'd been in her class - she always gave so much of herself to her students and continued to do so long after giving their final grade.
Emma
UWA Student
Perth, WA
***
Philippa was one of the kindest and most welcoming teaching staff members in the Arts Faculty and honestly made my time completing my Arts degree exponentially more enjoyable. She was unfailingly understanding and generous to me during a tough time when I needed not only a forgiving lecturer but also a friendly face to give comfort. She often said hello and stopped for a chat years after I'd been in her class - she always gave so much of herself to her students and continued to do so long after giving their final grade.
Jessica Donovan
UWA MEMS Graduate,
Perth, WA
***
To even imagine that our dear Philippa is not with us seems unreal. She has been such a wonderful colleague, mentor, research scholar and a true friend that I am not sure what to say. She gave me a little wooden box years ago just as a gesture of her friendship, and I still have it sitting on my desk. I move things but never that box as it reminds me of the friendship we developed in the early years of my academic career.
She was visionary, honest and bold. A woman of values... and a friend for all. James and I will miss her. Thank you, dear Philippa, for being YOU and teaching a lot of us what it means to be a real colleague.
Samina Yasmeen
Professor, Centre for Muslim States and Societies, UWA
Perth, WA
***
Pip Maddern - so brilliant, so funny, so warm, so human. A generous and gifted woman - once met, never forgotten. So many owe so much to her. How will we do without her? My deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends.
Kim Phillips
History, University of Auckland
Auckland NZ, but born Melbourne, Australia
***
In the relatively short time that I have had the pleasure of knowing Philippa, I've been struck not only by her brilliance as a scholar, but also by her incredible generosity. As a student, I have fond memories of being enlightened by her lectures, but even more profoundly, as a supervisor she helped me to gain confidence in my own ideas and work, which will have a lasting impact for me.
Vale, Philippa. Rest in peace.
Kelly Midgley
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Inspirational, dedicated, enthusiastic, gifted, fiercely intelligent, and not beyond using an expletive to gain the attention of undergraduates - you will deeply missed.
Thank you Philippa.
Shane McLeod
University of Stirling,
Stirling, Scotland
***
She was by far my first and favourite history lecturer at UWA. I'm definitely not an undergraduate any more, but I still remember the time and effort she put in to help me as a little anonymous first year student on my first essay at university level.
Gemma
PhD Student, UWA
Perth
***
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Philippa. Our paths crossed only for a year, back in 2011-12, but I enjoyed all our conversations (whether fleeting in the corridor, over coffee, or over dinner), and had great admiration for her intelligence, wit and scholarly learning. She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
Baruch dayan ha'emet
Gary D. Mole
Bar-Ilan University
Israel
***
Philippa you have been a great inspiration – as a friend, colleague, scholar and mentor.
I will sorely miss your wonderful warmth, extraordinary generosity, and your great smile, sense of humour and laughter. Farewell dear friend. What a special privilege it has been to have known you.
Joy Damousi
The University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria
***
I am so sorry to hear of Philippa's passing. She was an extraordinary scholar, leader, and woman. I feel so lucky to have known her, and so grateful for her tenacity on behalf of humanities research. Tireless, fearless, sparkling with wit and intelligence--this is how I will remember her. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and colleagues.
Mary Flannery
University of Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
***
To all the dear ones in Philippa's life: please accept our condolences at the passing of a wonderful woman, beloved colleague, and inspiration to all. It was our great privilege to have known her.
David and Pura
David Konstan
New York University
New York, New York, USA
***
I was just one of Philippa's many undergraduate students. I made little impact on her life, but she has made an important impact on mine, as her inspiring personality and teaching couldn't help but do. I think we all fell in love with Pip and her work. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. A very sad day.
Anne Robinson
UWA
Perth, WA
***
So saddened by this news. She was a truly remarkable woman, an inspiring leader, and her passion for ideas was infectious. So sad that that remarkably agile mind is stilled for ever.
Lisa Beven
Sydney University
Sydney
***
Dear Philippa, I am sure that like countless others, I consider myself blessed to have worked for and with you! You were the most wonderful mentor, passionate in fighting for what you believed, generous and compassionate. Your sharp wit and raucous laughter will be sorely missed in our offices. Rest in peace.
Tanya Tuffrey
CHE, The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
So saddened by the loss of Philippa, a fierce and stalwart feminist ally always ready to offer her support and strength as well as a dynamic leader and model intellectual who changed lives and intellectual thought.
Alison Bartlett
Gender Studies, University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Terribly sad day.
Pippa's scholarship was deeply rooted but always pushed at new boundaries, gently disturbing old truths and opening up new ways of seeing.
Her learning was immense. I have seen her engage in conversations about biology and physics with the same enthusiasm, generosity and insight that she brought to Medieval History. She was such a kind and considerate host and guest. One of those people who really do seem irreplaceable.
Sarah Rees Jones
University of York
York, UK
***
Dear Colleagues
It is with sadness that I write to advise that much-respected member of staff, Philippa Maddern, passed away last night, 16 June, surrounded by family and friends.
Philippa C. Maddern held BA Hons, and MA from the University of Melbourne in History, and a D.Phil from the University of Oxford. Her thesis was published as a major scholarly book, Violence and Social Order; East Anglia 1422-1442, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992).
Philippa was an internationally respected scholar of late medieval English historical studies, with a particular expertise in family, gender and social history. She was highly influential in medieval and early modern studies in Australia and played a large part in raising both its collegiality and its national and international profile. Her leadership as the founding Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions has attracted wide international admiration and helped give Australian humanities scholarship an unprecedented world visibility.
Philippa made a unique contribution as scholar, teacher and leader at UWA, serving on many significant university committees, including as a member of the senate. She was a dynamic Chair of History and Head of the School of Humanities. Her generosity of spirit extended beyond her family and friends, to work colleagues, students and all she worked with or came to know. She will be sadly missed by her colleagues in the faculty and all around the university.
Sincerely
Paul Johnson
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Dear friends,
The Vice Chancellor has just sent out a note farewelling Philippa Maddern.
Pip died last night – surrounded by her loving family and friends. She had fought a very hard battle with cancer for a very long time. Everyone knows Pip was a seasoned fighter – she was fair, she was brave and she was tough. And she maintained her grace to the end.
An outstanding scholar of late medieval history, a charismatic leader and teacher, Philippa will be missed by everyone who knew her. She served in many senior roles in the faculty and on many committees of the university, including on the selection committee to appoint this dean. In my first conversation with Pip before I took up this position, I asked her ‘Why do you need a dean’. She said without any hesitation ‘to stand up for us’.
No one stood up for causes quite the way that Pip could. We will miss both her strength and her compassion.
Krishna Sen
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
So sad to hear this news, Philippa was a fantastic lecturer. The academic world is a little darker on her passing. RIP
R Norman
UWA
Perth, WA
***
As she did for so many others, Philippa shaped my thinking, expanded my horizons, offered limitless encouragement and generally made life more enjoyable through Medieval and Early Modern Studies coursework and tutorials. Her memory will live on.
Scilla Stack
Medieval and Early Modern Studies graduate
Perth, UWA
***
It is with real sorrow that I heard this news. Pip was always passionate, caring and supportive from the time I met her as a postgrad at Melbourne University. She was a woman I respected both professionally and personally and I will miss her.
Judith Collard
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ
***
Very sad news. Pip was very friendly and encouraging to me from the first time we met, when I was still a graduate student. She was a real intellectual force and will be much missed.
Cordelia Beattie
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, UK
***
Pip inspired a whole new way of studying medieval history at UWA and so many benefited from it. She was an inspiring teacher, a great colleague and a wonderful mentor. All love to her family and friends.
Gina Goddard
Perth, WA
***
Deeply saddened to hear of Pip's passing. Such a gifted academic and such a wonderful human being. I feel very privileged to have been one of her students. RIP.
Troy Rule
Former UWA Honours Student
Perth, WA
***
Please pass on my condolences to Philippa's family. It is a rare individual who can bring so many people and interests together in such an imaginative and effective way.
Professor Evelyn Welch
Vice-Principal (Arts & Sciences), King's College, London
London, UK
***
Thank you for your contributions to many aspects of the world I live in. Your passion enhanced them. Love from Terri-ann
Terri-ann White
UWA Publishing
Perth, WA
***
Pip was a champion for the Humanities in Australia. She spoke for the value and importance not just of history or feminism or the medieval (all of which she knew incredibly well), but for the Humanities and Arts overall. She never left anyone ever forget that the Humanities were a core part of the way we all understand what is means to be human, what is means to have stories or structures of ways of knowing and thinking about who we are and where we came from. I had the pleasure of knowing Pip at different times as a teacher, a leader and a colleague, and she will be sorely missed.
Tama Leaver
Perth, WA
***
Dear, precious Pip. I'm on the other side of the planet receiving this terribly sad news, but want to affirm – simply and with clarity – what an inspirational figure Pip has been in so many lives, so feisty and clever, so witty and audacious, so full of ever-loving spirit and magnificent generosity in the service of others.
I want to add my small voice to those singing Pip's praises. She was loved by so many: let there be a loud song.
Gail Jones
University of Western Sydney
Sydney, NSW
***
I send my deepest condolences. Philippa was a wonderful and inspiring person.
Jonas Liliequist
Umeå University
Umeå, Sweden
***
Pip was a champion for the Humanities in Australia. She spoke for the value and importance not just of history or feminism or the medieval (all of which she knew incredibly well), but for the Humanities and Arts overall. She never let anyone ever forget that the Humanities were a core part of the way we all understand what it means to be human, what it means to have stories or structures or ways of knowing and thinking about who we are and where we came from. I had the pleasure of knowing Pip at different times as a teacher, a leader and a colleague, and she will be sorely missed.
Dr. Tama Leaver
Perth, Western Australia
***
It has been an honour to work with you Philippa and I have been inspired by your leadership in the Humanities. You will be deeply missed.
Robyn Owens
DVCR, UWA
Perth
***
Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened me, but I know that this is far from what you are going through right now. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. She was loved by all of us here in Taiwan and she will be cherished in our memories forever. It was an honor to have known such a great person and I will truly miss her. My most sincere condolences.
Denise Ming-yueh Wang
National Chung Cheng University
Chiayi, Taiwan
***
I feel very privileged to have been able to work with Philippa during my time in the centre she founded and led. The intellectual virtuosity and personal kindness she brought to the centre were unparalleled, and every one of us has benefited immensely from her mentorship and inspiration. Her leadership forged into a single enterprise what would otherwise have been only a collection of individual scholars. I don’t think I would have a place in academics today without her work in winning support for humanities research in Australia. I’m grateful to gain a fuller sense of her life and legacy from the tributes that are appearing here and elsewhere. She will be sorely missed.
Ross Knecht
CHE, University of Queensland,
Brisbane, QLD
***
We have all lost a great friend and ally in Philippa. I am very sad to hear of her passing, and find it hard to articulate fully what she has taught to me and to countless others. Much of what I am today comes from years of good advice, support, and guidance. We will all remember you through our actions and deeds, for you were the best of inspirations in a complex and often confusing academic world. Vale.
James Smith
University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
Philippa was a consistently kind, considerate and engaged colleague, an open, friendly and reassuring presence about the Arts Building. I am very sorry to hear of this untimely loss.
Daniel Brown
Colleague
Southampton, UK
***
Very sorry to hear this news, about a person I knew mainly through her wonderful reputation as director of CHE. Vale.
Jane Vaughan
UWA
Perth
***
Philippa was inspirational and the loss of her knowledge, insight and generosity of spirit will be keenly felt. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Jo Merrey
PMRG
Perth, WA
***
In memory of a truly wonderful colleague. Pip, you always stood up for what you believed in and your courage and determination were inspirational to us all. I have learnt so much from you and your legacy lives on in the hundreds (thousands?) of people you have loved, taught and supported throughout your life. You will be sadly missed by your UWA family.
Barbara Goldflam
Formerly at UWA
Perth, WA
***
I first met Philippa at my debut academic conference as a PhD student. She was so friendly and encouraging; I was touched by how welcome she made me feel as a newcomer to academia.
Philippa infused our Centre with her radiant warmth, her vigorous intelligence and her beautiful spirit. To know her was to be inspired by both a scholar par excellence and a model for living with generosity and passion. Thankyou Pip.
Carly Osborn
CHE, University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA
***
Philippa was always there to give advice and help when I needed it. She was the first tutor who genuinely listened to what I said, and was a generous provider of strawberries for late afternoon tutorials! She had such an obvious love of her subject, a love that was passed on to her students. She put up with me when supervising my honours dissertation, and my work would have been that much poorer without her assistance. I can't imagine UWA without her.
Emma Cordingley
Former Honors student
Perth, WA
***
I remember Pip sitting on the floor of my office at RMIT. We were teaching a history course together and Pip was full of the passion and excitement and engagement for which I will always remember her. She went on to do brilliant things but never lost those characteristics. Her untimely death is an enormous loss to intellectual life in this country as well as to her family, friends and students.
Judith Smart
RMIT University
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Phillipa was a great academic and a great person. We will have to work very hard to fulfil the vision of CHE that she has left with us. My condolences to her family and friends.
G E Berrios
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, UK
***
I found out that we'd lost Philippa while in Europe, delivering the findings of my research - research made possible by Philippa and her extraordinary fight to support humanities research in Australia. I feel so blessed that I was able to be a part of her amazing legacy. She is the model of what an academic should be: brilliant, curious, passionate and generous. I feel lucky to have met her, and to work with those she mentored, for she instilled those values in them and so her contribution lives on. Goodbye Pip.
Una McIlvenna
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW
***
One of the last conversations I had with Pip was on the emotional significance of the weather in 15/16th c. Today we had fierce lashing rain, banks of dark cloud and wind that has whipped and shaken the trees in Perth. It's hard not to feel the elements are in sympathy with our grief and loss. Philippa was not only an extraordinary leader and example, a colleague of exceptional courage, sincerity, acuity, and generosity but also a friend.
Look you, sad friends, The gods rebuke me; but it is a tidings To wash the eyes of Kings. (Antony & Cleopatra, 5.1).
Pen Woods
CHE, UWA
Perth, WA
***
I'm very sad to hear of Pip's passing. My condolences to all who had the privilege of being a relative, close friend, colleague or student. Pip gave so much and achieved so much, and for her achieving was giving. She had a formidable intellect and has left us all in her debt through her scholarship, but notwithstanding her international standing she was so down to earth, good humoured and positive. I recall her generosity and great company, but now specially recall enjoying her questions: incisive, slightly destabilising, but always constructive. How she will be missed.
Michael Bennett
University of Tasmania
Hobart
***
Pip was a wonderful scholar and a wonderful person, passionate, incisive, determined. She touched so many with her generous support – but also her curiosity and interest. She was endlessly curious and marvelously learned, but always modest, always inclusive, always creative. She had a remarkable ability in keeping others focused on what was critical, in recognizing and drawing out the skills and the good in others – it made her a very inspiring teacher and supervisor, an excellent collaborator, the best of scholars, a dynamic leader of a broad and diffuse Centre. And she could be very funny - a life to be celebrated.
Charles Zika
CHE, The University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
***
Philippa, you will always be one of the brightest stars in my encounter with academic life, a special, beautiful person.
Ursula Potter
The University of Sydney
Sydney
***
I am so sorry to hear of Pip's passing. She was the kindest of supervisors, as well as the most inspiring.
Emma Hawkes
***
How very sad. I have benefitted from Pip’s friendly encouragement, wise advice and staunch support ever since teaching her Latin in 1975 where, having already gained an HI in Melbourne University’s first ever Beginners Latin course (Latin 1A) in 1974, she got an HI in a class where everyone else had the advantage of several years of school Latin. What a wonderful person and scholar! I will miss her greatly.
Roger Scott
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
***
Philippa Maddern was one of many who made me feel so welcome at the Sourcing Emotions Conference in Perth last year. The center is such a wonderful, rich environment and a testament to her work. She seemed such a lovely person, who made me feel at ease and as though she had time for everyone there. My sincerest sympathy to those who knew her well.
Sarah Ann Robin
Lancaster University
***
In July 2012, I travelled to Perth to participate in a research collaboratory and had the great pleasure of meeting Phillippa. It was one of the most stimulating events I've participated in thanks to the wonderful presence of Phillippa who, as chair, provided the perfect balance between intellectual rigour and relaxed informality. After the two days, Phillippa must have been exhausted, but generously took the time to walk and talk with me about future collaboration with CHE. I only met her once, but she made a big impression and I was so looking forward to meeting her again.
Andrea Noble
University of Durham
UK
***
Philippa was warm, generous and kind - qualities which she had in such abundance that very few of us will ever forget her. It's hard to imagine UWA without her, may she rest in peace. I will miss her very much.
Hila Shachar
De Montfort University
Leicester, UK
***
Philippa was such a passionate and inspiring woman, not to mention brilliant in her field. She will be terribly missed, I am so saddened by the news of her passing. RIP Pip Maddern x
Courtney Fowler
UWA Arts Faculty
Karratha, WA
***
The sombre mood in the Humanities offices today spoke volumes about how important Pip was to so many areas and so many people. I will miss seeing her go off like a firecracker when discussing a subject she was passionate about! We may not be able to see you any longer, Pip, but you'll never truly be gone.
Grace Ryan
History, UWA - Administration
Perth, WA
***
Remembering the always irrepressible, sometimes irreverent, and ever irreplaceable Pip. Thank you to her family and friends from youth who played such a part in shaping (but not containing!) her enormous energies and talents. How we will miss you, dear friend.
Steph Tarbin
History, UWA
Perth, WA
***
I knew Phillippa through ANZAMEMS, where her comments at conference papers and in meetings were always a wonderful combination of incisive and generous. We have lost one of the great medieval and feminist scholars.
Dianne Hall
Victoria University
Melbourne, VIC
***
Words are inadequate to express my sorrow when I heard of Prof. Philippa Maddern’s passing away. I had known Prof. Maddern for only two years and merely met her thrice in conferences and in her lecture series. Her ingenious wisdom and witty speeches deeply inspired and enlightened a student like me. Were it not for Prof. Maddern’s fruitful research on the emotions in history, I would not have learned such an intriguing topic in the broad academic field; thus I feel deeply grateful. We will always remember Prof. Maddern through what she had taught us on medieval studies. The good memories that we spent together when she visited Taiwan in 2013 shall be treasured in perpetuity.
Blythe Hsing-wen Tsai
PhD Student
Chiayi, Taiwan
***
I will remember Philippa's voice at the telephone on a (not so early) morning in August 2012. I was to give a talk in at the Language and Emotions workshop in Perth and overslept. Jet lag. She calmed me down in my confused panic. I felt at home with her, as if I had known her all my life. She was unbelievable supportive and accessible, considering her tasks and commitments...
Also on behalf of the The Amsterdam Centre for Cross-Disciplinary Emotions and Sensory Studies (ACCESS) I would like to express my deepest sympathies to our colleagues at the ARC Centre and to Pip's close friends and family.
Erika Kuijpers
Leiden University and VU University
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
***
I haven't seen Pip for over 20 years but remember her as always kind, always generous with her time and her insights, and always twinkly. I am finding it difficult to believe she is gone. Much love and sympathy to all family and friends.
Sara Buttsworth
Auckland
***
It is with great sadness that I learned that Philippa has passed away. Even though I only knew her for a brief time, I was deeply impressed by her intelligence, warmth, energy and rich sense of humour. Her tireless commitment to the work of the Centre was infectious, and its momentum swept everyone along. It was a privilege to have known her. We will miss her.
My warmest condolences go out to her family and friends.
Indira Ghose
University of Fribourg
Fribourg, Switzerland
***
Here at Oxford we have been talking about Pip, and about how much we will miss her. For me she and her good friend Trish Crawford were an inspiration. They showed us how to be historians and do it differently, as women, asking new questions. They never treated their private lives as separate from their scholarship. I remember Pip coming to lunch with me at Oriel, and her lovely warm voice as she spoke; her directness, honesty and inner stillness. She had such great plans. We owe the survival of a whole generation of medievalists and early modernists in Australia in large part to the vision of Trish and Pippa, who saw it through. But most of all, she was such a loving friend. We miss her.
Lyndal Roper
University of Oxford
Oxford, UK
***
Pip was simply extraordinary and the lessons that she taught me - far from the history bits - have stayed with me and now influence my students.
Jennifer Bailey Smith
Perth College
Perth, WA
***
Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Professor Aidan Byrne, has extended his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Professor Philippa Maddern following the sad news of her passing.
Professor Maddern was an internationally renowned researcher in humanities and social sciences and was the Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions.
Professor Byrne said she would be sorely missed across the research sector, in particular those involved in the humanities discipline.
"Professor Maddern was passionate about her research field and while she always acknowledged the importance of science she was a strong defender of the importance of the humanities, in particular historians and geneaologists, in our research landscape.
"Her role as the Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of the Emotions was vitally important.
"The research programs conducted by the Centre examine the identification and expression of emotions, how emotions can drive social, political and economic change, and the influence our European heritage has on our attitudes and emotions today.
"Professor Maddern was having an informative affect in this area of research and I am sure her legacy will live on in the researchers she supported and worked with.
"On behalf of the ARC, I extend my sincere condolences to Professor Maddern's family and friends, her research colleagues at the University of Western Australia, more generally in Australia and across the globe," Professor Byrne said.
***
Dear Tanya and the rest of the staff at the ACE CoE for the History of Emotions,
It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of your Director, Professor Philippa Maddern.
On behalf of the members and management at the CoE for Coherent X-ray Science and the CoE for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, I wish to convey our sincere condolences to Philippa's family, you and the CoE for the History of Emotions members.
I am thinking of you all at this time.
Tania Smith
University of Melbourne
***
I remember Philippa best as a singer and recorder player from the days of Tre fontane medieval music group back in the 80's in Melbourne. She could turn a set of unrelated songs into a good, tight program in minutes. It was a joy to work with her. Another joy later when I started going to conferences and heard her speak so eloquently and passionately. I remember with gratitude her encouragement to me. A magnificent woman! Rest well Philippa.
Helen Dell
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria
***
I was fortunate to have had Phillipa as one of my tutors and will be forever grateful. Phillipa taught me to read against the grain and the importance of the past. Now working in youth mental health I continue to learn from the work she has spearheaded.
A life lived well and an inspiration to us all.
Felicite Black
UWA,
Perth, WA
***
When I think of Philippa I am reminded of her wonderful openness and responsiveness, her sense of urgency, her abundance of positive energy and her tenacity. She visited Taiwan only recently but made a strong impression on my colleagues and students there. They will be sad to hear of her passing.
Vivienne Westbrook
National Taiwan University
Taiwan
***
Dear friends in Australia,
I am really deeply touched by this news, unexpected - expected... Thanks a lot for the description you give of her last moments. I hope she did not suffer too much in these last weeks and months. I found her so extremely courageous and positive all the time we were in contact. She was such an active, living and sparkling person.
I regret deeply that she is not there any more, and that she will not be there when I come... it is really, really strange to think the emotions in Perth, the whole ARC Centre without her.
In some way emotions, historical and personal, will continue to link us together in a double way.
staying with you and her,
Piroska
Piroska Nagy
University of Quebec at Montreal
Montreal, Canada
***
Philippa's presence was great as will her absence be. A truly kind, joyful and passionate person. So many of us are grateful for your encouragement to follow our own paths.
Brid Phillips
CHE, UWA
Perth, WA
***
These messages encapsulate how inspirational Philippa was and the significance of her legacy. I knew her through ANZAMEMS and CHE - two organisations that have nourished and sustained my research. She will be much missed and much remembered - by me and countless others.
Heather Dalton
University of Melbourne
Melbourne
***
It was due to Philippa that I embarked on postgraduate Masters studies with MEMS. She was such an inspiring and encouraging teacher that I continued to my PhD. During my time at UWA I could see the scope of her influence on all the tutors I came into contact with. As well, I am sure my supervisors won't mind me saying that I could see a Pip influence in them! Her inspiring spirit will be felt in the UWA history corridors always.
Lesley Silvester
UWA PhD Graduate 2013
Perth, WA
***
My first job on campus was as Philippa's PA. She was a joy to work for - considerate and unfailingly courteous, always fair and very funny. She was much loved among the ranks. I will remember her with great respect and affection.
Joanne Smith
Dean's Office, UWA
Perth, Western Australia
***
Pip was as dependable a friend and colleague as you could ever hope to have. Since leaving UWA I haven't seen her as often as previously, but when I did, even in her last few days, she was as wise, clever, open, incredibly knowledgeable and interested in what I and my family had been doing, as she had always been. She was just one of the loveliest people I have known.
Charlie Fox
UWA
Perth, WA
***
Philippa's generosity and encouragement meant a lot to me, and I hope that she knew that and was proud of herself as a mentor.
Thank you Philippa.
Melissa Raine
Melbourne
***
I remember as a tutor at UWA watching Pip teaching a session on historiography to honours students, in a classroom version of a fireside chat. The students were completely wrapped up in her gentle, persuasive and utterly engaging delivery; and so was I. It was a performance I could only dream of emulating. My kids recall making scones with her and Ted in the kitchen of their amazing home, full of treasures and delights for small children. Who will ever forget her birds-nest of an office! And I shall smile when I read the next of Hilary Mantel’s works on Thomas Cromwell, knowing how cross Pip would be: as she said to my partner, ‘people in those days just didn’t think like that!’ Vale Pip – scholar, teacher, and good and dear woman.
Jan Gothard
Murdoch University
Perth, Western Australia
***
Pip was truly one of life's treasures - so generous to so many and in so many ways. I was fortunate to be the recipient of her support and mentorship and she will remain an inspiration for how to live this sometimes difficult academic life with humanity and compassion. Thank you Pip.
Bonnie Thomas
French Studies, UWA
Perth, WA
***
Philippa was one of the most impressive academics, and instantly lovable people, I've met. She wasn't just a dedicated academic but a genuine and natural leader, someone who cared about others and could bring them together for the greater good. She has made an extraordinary contribution to the humanities in Australia. Her passion for knowledge, her good sense and good humour, and her zest for scholarly dialogue were irresistible. She will be missed.
Peter Holbrook
CHE, University of Queensland
Brisbane, Queensland
***
Philippa Maddern had a true impact throughout the Centre. She was one of the first academics to ask a question at my first conference paper - which I remember was done with great warmth and support as well as academic inquiry. In addition, she oriented a new researcher to the British Library whilst she was also there on a research trip (from soup to nuts). And, she was a true supporter of music and the arts. I cannot express the impact she had upon my life during the past 3 years. I am honoured to have met her.
Patricia Alessi
PhD Candidate, CHE and UWA
Perth, WA
***
I am very sorry to hear this terrible news and I am sorry for your great loss. It was a great pleasure to have met Philippa last summer in Montreal. She made important contributions to our work.
With my best thoughts and wishes during this time of mourning and trial.
Paul Yachnin
Director, Early Modern Conversions: Religions, Cultures, Cognitive Ecologies
Professor of Shakespeare Studies & Director of the Institute for the Public Life of Arts and Ideas
McGill University, Montreal, Canada
***
Philippa was a person of unusual gravitas. Everything I recall her saying - from her encouragement and timely advice in my early career, to her heartfelt words when my mother was unwell, to a lively recounting (by photocopier) of mining archives when in England, to protesting cuts in university funding, to insightful quips into lunchroom conversation - seemed to come from a wellspring of life and wisdom. We've lost a real treasure.
Miri Albahari
Philosophy, UWA
Perth,
WA
***
On behalf of staff at the Australian Research Council, I extend my sincere condolences to all family, friends and colleagues of Professor Philippa Maddern following this sad news.
Professor Maddern was an internationally-renowned researcher in the humanities and social sciences and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions.
She will be sorely missed across the research sector, in particular those involved in the humanities discipline. Passionate about her research field, she always acknowledged the importance of science and was a strong defender of the importance of the humanities—in particular historians and geneaologists—in our research landscape.
Her role as Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of the Emotions was vitally important. She was having an informative affect in this area of research and I am sure her legacy will live on in the researchers she supported and worked with.
In sympathy
Aidan Byrne
CEO
Australian Research Council
Canberra, Australia
***
What sad news. Quite apart from her indomitable intellect, enviable energy and boundless curiosity, Philippa was one of the most instantly loveable people we have ever met. CHE, UWA and academia are left the poorer with her absence and we sent our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Pip's family. But what an honour to have known such a remarkable woman and scholar. Vale.
Esmeralda Rocha and Michael Blanchard
Formerly of UWA;
Canberra, Australia
***
So sad to hear of Philippa's death. One of the brightest minds I've encountered, a wonderful teacher and mentor. Warm, funny, wry, straightforward, kind, passionate about her beliefs and the value of good scholarship, always encouraging even when disagreeing. And the only PhD supervisor I've heard of who recommended reading 'The Magic Pudding' as an antidote to thesis blues. Philippa, your work and your memory lives on. My deep sympathy to family and friends.
Kathy Troup
Melbourne
***
I am deeply saddened by Philippa's death, but so grateful for the opportunity to have met her and worked with her. Her legendary generosity touched me on the occasion of my first ever conference paper as a nervous postgrad, when she took the time to come and congratulate and encourage me, an encouragement that she continued over the long years of my part-time PhD, and which was more important to me than I think she ever imagined. I'm grateful too for the spectacular opportunity that her work in bringing the Centre for the History of Emotions into being has given to me and to so many others. I'll continue to try to live up to her inspiration. Be merry, Pip.
Sarah Randles
CHE Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Melbourne
Melbourne
***
So terribly sad. A truly great loss.
Eliza Kent
***
I only recently met Philippa but liked and admired her very much. She will be a terrible loss to us and I send my deep condolences to everyone from abroad.
Jane Lydon
UWA
Perth
***
Pip, I'm eternally saddened that I won't get to know you better. Your sharp wit, your generosity and warmth, your eccentricity and whimsy, all of these I would have loved to have known better and more deeply. But I am so grateful that I got to know you as I did.
As Head of School, you sent out letters to first year students who did well in their exams, and then you actually took the time to see and talk to them. I know, I was one.
You had faith in your students and your staff - you gave me the opportunity to take risks and take on responsibility that I know I would never have gotten in another university, in another school of history.
You gave great advice and were immensely supportive, plus you had great taste in books! I discovered the wondrous joy of Dorothy Sayers, because of you.
Thank-you.
You will be missed by many who know you far better than I did.
But even so, I will miss you too.
Vale Philippa.
Marianne Hicks
Monash University
Melbourne, Victoria
***
Although news of Philippa's death won't have come as a shock, it will nonetheless come as a real disappointment at the loss of someone as special as she was. In my all too brief encounters with her I was always struck by her mischievous grin, her terrific energy, and above all by her inclination to always say "yes you can" to people rather than "no you can't". Unlike many of us, she will leave behind not just a reputation as an International scholar of repute, but as a woman who succeeded in translating ideas into actions. The CHE is now part of her living and thriving legacy, and it is now up to the rest of us to try to live up to her example
Peter Reynolds
Newcastle University UK
Newcastle UK
***
I had the opportunity to meet Philippa in 2010 when I participated in the collaboratory on languages of emotion in Perth. Even though I only knew her briefly, I can well understand that she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Stephanie Dickey
Queen's University
Kingston, ON, Canada
***
I am so sorry that I won't get the chance to meet Professor Maddern when I take up my fellowship at the CHE this autumn. But I'm enormously grateful for her vision and energy which have made this wonderful project possible. What an incredible legacy she has left!
Fiona Ritchie
McGill University
Montreal, Canada
***
I shared a student house with Pip in Oxford when I was an undergraduate and she was a postgrad. She was a joy and inspiration and very definitely slightly terrifying too! Favourite memories are her setting fire to the paper tablecloth at our Xmas dinner as she poured the flaming brandy from the pan. Also a medieval feast, completely cooked by Pip, especially the cardamon flavoured omelette......
Judith Benson
Horsham, UK
***
Any event with Philippa in attendance was lit up by her great energy, warmth, and her intellectual vibrancy. She was incredibly generous to junior scholars, making people instantly feel included and part of the wonderful community of medievalists and early modernists in Australia and beyond. She will missed more than words can express.
Jenny Spinks
The University of Manchester
Manchester, UK
***
Philippa was an inspiring leader and historian who trained a whole generation of medievalists and energised medieval studies in Australia and world-wide. My thoughts are with her family, her colleagues at UWA, and the many people who remember her warmth and generosity.
Helen Fulton
University of York
UK
***
I am very sad to read of Pip's passing. we shared a house when in Oxford while I was an undergrad and she was doing her DPhil. She was always the best of company, always sincere, always stimulating, and always very good company.
I cannot add more to these wonderful testimonies. Farewell, dear Pip
Paul Kelly
Professor in Gastroenterology
London and Lusaka
***
I admired Philippa's presence in the Faculty ever since I joined UWA 25 years ago. Always inspiring, humanising, enriching: an ideal colleague. I was privileged to work with her.
John Kindere
Italian Studies, UWA
Perth, Western Australia
***
Prof. Philippa's enthusiasm, courage, and energy will be forever remembered. She is such a good teacher, mentor who has profound effect on students and colleagues. Really thanks for her insightful advice on my paper in 2013 IMC, Leeds. I am blessed with having known Prof. Philippa over the past two years.
Angus Cheng-yu Yen
Ph.D student, National Sun Yat-sen University
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
***
I was so sorry to hear about Philippa. She had been a member of the Academic Promotions Committee since 2006 and only stood down earlier this year. I remember when was promoted to Level E herself. It was a brave time for her as she had not long before this lost her husband and later when she knew she had been successful with her promotion bid, she mentioned how sad it was that her husband had not been able to share in this good news. When my husband Jeff and I were both seriously ill at home in 2010 she visited us and brought us a delicious home made cake in a beautiful tin and with a lovely card wishing us well. It was such a kind thought and was very typical of her. I will miss her very much, her friendship, her kindness and her quick wit and sense of humour. She will be very much missed by all who knew her and all and especially by our Committee Chair and members.
Elizabeth Hutchinson
Executive Officer, Academic Promotions Committee
UWA Perth WA
***
Dear Philippa - will miss you on the Academic Promotions Committee, your friendship and kindness whilst my husband has been unwell, and for delivering a homemade cake when we were both sick at home in 2010. I remember when you were promoted to Level E and you were saddened that you could not share this good news with your husband who had just a little earlier in the year, passed away.
I will remember you with much fondness, a lovely friendly person, full if wit, so intelligent and with a great sense of humour. You will live forever in our hearts.
Elizabeth xx
Elizabeth Hutchinson
Perth, WA
***
Although our paths crossed for just a short time, I will always value the sincerity and generosity Philippa showed me. Upon finally her in person for the first time, I sensed Philippa was unique; a warm and genuine spirit that immediately embraced all she met.
I feel privileged to be among those who knew and miss you Philippa.
Catherine Czerw
AI, CHE
Perth, WA
***
To our Australian friends,
The grandiose project of the Centre for the History of Emotions is one of the many legacies Philippa left behind but the Centre is probably not the only thing that will survive after her very sad departure. She leaves behind an institution, an intellectual legacy but also a lesson, indeed, I think she gave us a magisterial lesson of modesty and kindness. When I met Philippa for the first time in Perth in 2011 I found an extraordinary sparkling and dynamic woman and I remember thinking that you could not imagine that such a modest and generous person could be behind such a huge project. I was deeply impressed by her humility and benevolence. In addition Philippa had this delightful gift which makes you at ease even if you are far less experienced and feel foreign. Luckily I came back to Perth for an early career fellowship and I will always remain deeply obliged to Philippa and to the beautiful team at UWA for the hospitality and assistance you gave me. Not by chance around Philippa I found an inspiring environment and much support. I believe such human qualities could only be the fruits of an extraordinary leader, a gifted director and a woman of vision, in many ways she succeeded in creating a community, perhaps a community of emotion… and a community of deep sorrow after the announcement of her death. Her memory will remain precious for a large community of friends and scholars, l feel infinitely fortunate to have known her. My sincererest condolences to all of you,
Shalom.
Nicole Hochner
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Israel
***
I had the honour and pleasure of studying under and learning from Pip during my university career. She was always happy to have a cup of tea and a chat about anything in the world. She introduced me to the world of the History of Emotions, and was always encouraging as she guided me along (through my blunders).
Having experienced university life with Pip in her corner office, filled with books, surrounded by her work and that of her many, many students, I can't imagine otherwise.
Pip, I can't ever thank you enough for the enormous gift of learning. One day, I hope I'll have as extensive a book collection as you do. :)
Kristie
Student, UWA
Singapore
***
I did not know Philippa well but, as a member of the NEER network and later an AI in the Centre for the History of Emotions, I admired her enthusiasm and promotion of medieval and early modern studies. I have attended seminars run by the Centre and thus seen Philippa's impressive and even-handed chairing and direction of discussion. She has been a wonderful and supportive force for intellectual inquiry at UWA and beyond.
My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Prof. Richard Yeo
Griffith University
Brisbane
***
This is very sad news. My condolences to Prof Pip's family. It wasn't until my Honours year that I actually encountered Prof Pip in a teaching capacity and I remember heading to the cafe with my friend after our first seminar a little shell-shocked by what we had just witnessed; a brilliant brain at work. We were in awe! I don't think we had ever turned up to a seminar so well prepped as we did in the following weeks. Although, we never managed to get anywhere near to the brilliance that is Professor Philippa Maddern. Prof Pip has been very supportive and encouraging of my plodding progress on my long-awaited thesis: "Just keep at it," she said when I saw her last. I will, Prof Pip! And you rest in peace and thank you for all the encouragement and the wonderful tomes you leave behind for us to enjoy, and footnote!
Lisa Keane Elliott
UWA Postgrad
Canberra, Australia
***
Philippa was a truly gentle soul - always available for a chat with a kind 'hello' and a smiling face, I appreciated her support of ECR's a lot. Her presence will be missed.
Josh Brown
Italian Studies, UWA
Perth, Western Australia
***
Dear Philippa
I was so privileged to be in a small group of History students that you took to the UK for three weeks, quite a few years ago. During that time you made yourself available 24/7, helped us unstintingly, be it in an academic or personal way, and drew us in to your world of medieval life in all its complexities. You were simply outstanding. Some of us enrolled in this unit because we were Philippa 'groupies'. We so loved anything you taught.
Your generosity of self, the marvel of your knowledge, your warmth and humour will always be with me.
Jan Kirkman
Perth, Western Australia
***
Philippa was one of the outstanding leaders in the Humanities in Australia, a women of enormous emotional and intellectual generosity. I will miss her energy and wisdom on the board of the ACHRC, where her guiding hand has helped us get established - and this will only be one of many places where the loss will be felt.
Robert Phiddian
Director Australasian Consortium of Humanities Research Centres
Flinders Uni, Adelaide
***
I cannot claim to have known Philippa well. She and I met for the first and only time at a conference on the history of childhood and emotion that I co-organized in Philadelphia. She delivered later a superb contribution to the collection of essays that grew out of that same conference. It was, as I say, not a long or profound relationship. It leaves nonetheless the memory of an engaged and generous colleague, a leading expert in her field, whose intelligence, insight and, not least, kindness enriched those around her. I regret her passing deeply.
Professor Thomas Max Safley
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, USA
***
We are very sad to hear about the demise of Philippa. She was such a kind and gentle person and a highly gifted researcher. We owe her a lot. We will keep her memory alive.
Claudia Ulbrich and colleagues
Free University Berlin
Berlin, Germany
***
Geoff Shellam and I are travelling in the remote Orkney Islands and yesterday heard of Philippa's death. We remember so vividly when we last saw her at Jane Davidson's farewell, obviously affected by her illness but brimming with enthusiasm and hope for the future. What a fabulous legacy she leaves, culminating of course in the most exciting Centre of Excellence in the History of Emotions, with which I feel so honoured to be associated in a small way. It has given me an opportunity to see at closer quarters Philippa's deep scholarship, leadership, generosity and enthusiasm. She will be universally mourned and sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences to her family.
Fiona Stanley
UWA Professor & Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, Uni Melb
Perth, Western Australia
***
How do I sum up a friendship of nearly 30 years? Pip was so full of life and energy. She was a wonderful, generous and caring friend. She was passionate about what she believed in- the importance of history, human rights causes, her love of animals and above all friendship and love of family.
She was a very generous scholar who was always willing to provide requested advice.
Pip was someone I could talk to about anything at any time.
We had such wondeful times together in Melbourne and Perth. I will miss her terribly. Rest in Peace, my dear friend
My sincere condolences to her family and friends
Natalie Tomas
Monash University
Melbourne, Victoria
***
I had the pleasure of listening to Philippa full flow in the tea room on my first day with Humanities. From that day, my every encounter with Philippa, however brief, was always a treat.
Richard
History. Admin. UWA
Perth
***
Dear Professor Maddern,
It is my great privilege to have known you. Time can never efface my memories of your kindness and generousity; your smile and sparkling eyes; your inspiring talks and witty words. The time we spent together shall always be cherished. I miss you. May you rest in peace.
Jenny Yun-zhen Chang
Project Coordinator, National Chung Cheng University
Chiayi, Taiwan
***
From my first moments at UWA, Philippa took me under her wing and inspired me to be both a better scholar and a better person. She has been the most wonderfully supportive supervisor a PhD student could ask for. Pip was forever encouraging and enabling other people to succeed in their chosen paths, professionally and personally. So while she is easily one of the most brilliant people I have had the privilege of knowing, it is her humble, kind and generous nature that has made her even more special. Her capacity for not just intellectual but moral clarity, her ability to bring out the best in people, and her sparkling wit, made her the best of teachers and the perfect confidant. I will be forever grateful for all Pip did to expand my mind, guide my learning, further my journey into academia, and to help me negotiate difficult patches in the nexus of home and work life. She will be sorely missed, but I am sure that she will continue to inspire and guide all of us who knew her long after her passing.
Sarah Russell
CHE, UWA
England
***
This is extremely sad news. I only met Philippa once, at a conference in Perth in 2010. However, from that event, I remember her very clearly as a particularly generous scholar, who went out of her way to encourage younger academics. She was also striking for her energy, enthusiasm and good humour, and it was obvious that she had played an important part in building a strong and generous intellectual community at UWA. Although our encounter was brief, I was amazed that a scholar of such international distinction could wear her obvious gifts so lightly, showing such a genuine interest in the work of other academics regardless of their career stage, disciplinary background or specialist field. I feel grateful to have met Philippa and to have seen the evolution of CHE, and I pass on my sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Peter Denney
Griffith University
Gold Coast
***
I knew Prof. Maddern at the conference in UWA in 2012 and later joined the two lectures of hers in CCU in Taiwan in 2013. The three lectures of hers expanded my view on emotion studies. Prof. Maddern was a very kind professor who always willing to share anything she knew. She always wore a smile whenever I saw her. We students were so happy to learn from her. She was a role model for me. I’m sad to learn of her passing, but I believe her love, kindness, and encouragement would always be here with us. I’ll always miss her. May she rest in God’s brace and grace.
Amy Ying-Jung Cheng
MA student
Chiayi, Taiwan
***
Such sad news. Philippa had a great knack for exciting intellectual curiousity and I consider a part of me was academically enriched by my contact with her. But more than that, my contacts with Phillipa were always with a warm, caring person who would take the time to talk on so many wide interests. My condolences to her family.
Rob Coughlan
University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
***
What an extraordinary woman and what a loss. How much she has done for so many: what a life. To meet her even for the first time and to know her even briefly was a privilege. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Simon Haines
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
***
Sorry you are gone Pippa, your passion, strength and good humour made UWA and the world a better place.
Shay Telfer
Perth, WA
***
We mourn the passing of Philippa Maddern, Winthrop Professor of Medieval History at UWA, founding Director of the ARC Centre for the History of Emotions, former Head of the School of Humanities and former Chair of History, inspirational teacher, colleague and dear friend. Admired for her international contribution as an historian, her tenacity, generosity of spirit, collegiality and wise counsel will be sorely missed by all in the discipline of History and the School of Humanities at UWA.
School of Humanities
UWA
Perth, WA
***
Always a supportive friend and wise counsel, I shall miss her greatly. She was a generous and kind friend, never judgmental, always willing to listen and a font of good advice. I remember the Urban History course that the late Tom Stannage, Philippa and I taught in the mid 1990s - she was a truly gifted teacher, with such engaging enthusiasm and willingness to share ideas. When it came to argument, she was an absolute terrior, persistently and at times fiercely arguing for what she believed was right. Her mind was sharp and well ordered and her memory brilliant. Her study was chaos, yet she could find things in an instant. She left an inspiring legacy - not only through the work of CHE but through her influence on the many hundreds of students that she taught. Vale Pip.
Jenny Gregory
UWA
Perth, WA
***
For anyone who would like to attend, the Mundie family are hosting an unofficial wake this Sunday night in the Sugar Room at the Ibis Hotel 334 Murray Street Perth from 8 pm to 10 pm.
We extend an open invitation for you to come with memories, photos and music that echo the joy she brought to our lives.
There will be drinks and cakes, and AV equipment for sharing photos or videos.
The Sugar Room can be found through reception on the ground flood and there is a Wilson Carpark behind the hotel that has a flat fee arrangement with the hotel.
Mundie Family
Perth
***
I met Pip on a trip to UWA about 10 years ago and remember her as so open and warm and friendly. We talked at length about shared research interests then and on another occasion and she had this way of just coming up with the key insight and her knowledge was phenomenal. I will miss Pip as a friend and academic colleague and send my deepest sympathy to her family and friends in Australia.
Dr Mandy Capern
University of Hull
UK
***
Dear Pip.Thank you for the encouragement ,understanding,advise and the huggs.The warmest smile and the always perfect Christmas pressys.You were eminently wonderful
and an inspiration.. I will miss you...a lot..
Andy
Friend
Maldon, England
***
Philippa made an impact when I first met her in Adelaide nearly two years ago.
Warm, welcoming and interested, she was enthusiastic for my participation within CHE. She valued everyone's ability and contribution, no matter what role you played, you were part of the team, exploring a common interest.
I was lucky to have met Philippa, listened to her scholarship and most memorably, sung with her.
Penelope Lee
CHE, The University of Melbourne
Melbourne
***
It was wonderful for me to be able to join the historians at UWA as QEII Research Fellow in 2000. I moved from the UK to be welcomed by Pip (and Trish Crawford) - formidable women who had played a huge part in changing the culture at that university and yet were so active as amazing medieval and early modern scholars. But it is for her immense kindness that Pip will be remembered by my family. When our small daughter, Mee-Yeon struggled with severe lung disease in the Perth children's hospital, intensive care, it was Pip who unfailingly visited us everyday with a cheery word and presents. It is sad that due to the 'tyranny of distance' I've not been able to make it from Tasmania to visit Pip in the later stages of her illness or to attend either funeral or memorial service. Vale Pip - we will never forget you.
Professor Pam Sharpe
University of Tasmania
Hobart, Tasmania
***
Knowing Philippa really made a difference in my life, immediately at our very first encounter: Perth airport in 2009. Not only do I know now that it is possible to discuss children in history after a 23 hour flight. More importantly, Philippa became a lasting model for how to connect people intellectually, driven by the spirit of true humanity (Menschlichkeit) in her work and life.
You are safe now where you are. Your eyes have seen me. Rest in Peace.
Claudia Jarzebowski
Free University Berlin
Berlin, Germany
***
I met Philippa last summer, when I participated in the biennial conference on "Sourcing Emotions." What a positive, energetic, engaging interlocutor she was; and what a productive tone she set -- warm and open to new ideas while thinking sharply and critically about everything. She held herself and others to such high standards.
I will forever associate her most powerfully with a single word: "mirth." She gave her conference talk on this subject, illuminating the history of this Middle English term and illustrating its rare and wonderful conflation of meanings: happiness, joy, playfulness, well-being, good health. Philippa embodied all of those things herself. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing, and I send my deep condolences to her friends and family and all of her colleagues at the Centre.
Sarah McNamer,
Georgetown University,
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
***
To the family and friends of Philippa.
Vita in memoriam mortuorum viventium. The Life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. - Cicero
To this end, Philippa will live forever. As a former student who had the great honour of her tutelage, she inspired me and I admired her. She was a true champion of medieval studies and adamant about its place in this world. We are all the better from having knonw her, however long or brief it may have been. Deepest sympathies and warm regards
Jessica Donovan
UWA MA MEMS Graduate
***
I was very sad to hear of Philippa's passing. I did not get the chance to know her well but I was inspired by her great enthusiasm for expanding the horizons of the history of emotions in every way. May her memory be blessed.
Naama Cohen-Hanegbi
Tel Aviv University
Israel
***
Like so many, I’m grateful to have known Philippa Maddern. Remember how one weekend in the early 1990s a red plastic rose was looped deftly to the mouth of the carved classical horse’s head high on the wall of the Arts foyer? Somehow we postgrads knew this had to have been Pip, working as usual ‘like a scholar’ after hours, and with the practical skill to manage a slip knot. She had an eye for the point of leverage that might just shift a culture. Again and again her clear, compassionate brilliance made a difference. In so many ways, Philippa transformed unwieldy structures with her particular zest and grace.
Katharine Massam
University of Divinity
Melbourne
***
I am extremely sad at hearing of Philippa's death and not least because I didn't even know she was ill. The last time I saw her was a few years ago at a Fifteenth-Century Conference over here, not long after her husband had died. Of course I valued her work - especially, because it was so much in my area of interest, the work on law and society which grew originally from her DPhil. But what I remember most is just what fun she was. I first met her at a Legal History Conference at Norwich, in 1983, when I was introduced to her by Ted Powell, who, like Philippa, had been a Gerald Harriss student at Oxford, but had moved to a post at Cambridge. I too was one of Gerald's students (though supervised at long range, as I did a Cambridge PhD) and we originally formed a bond at this conference for this reason but were soon having illuminating discussions about our shared interest in the law in fifteenth-century England and, before very long, discovering that we had the same slightly naughty sense of humour and just having fun.
We stayed in touch and, when I saw her again at the Fifteenth-Century Conference in Oxford some years later, there was still the same wicked glint and again we had a lot of gossipy laughs in each other's company.
Of course she is a loss to the profession but it is the sheer fun of being with her that I shall remember most. There are some colleagues with whom one can have a fruitful and worthwhile academic discussion and Philippa was undoubtedly one of these but not so many with whom one can also have memorable and laughter-filled evenings (without the need for lots of alcohol to get the process going!): Philippa was certainly such a one.
Best wishes
Christine Carpenter
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, UK.
***
The world has lost a great soul in Philippa Maddern, but she gave so much to enrich our lives while she was amongst us. My friendship with her dates from the 1970s, and then when she came to live and work in Perth we continued to have connections through the History Department. In the 1990s we taught a University Extension weekend together at New Norcia. In 2000 I moved to Melbourne to serve as the Minister at Mark the Evangelist Uniting Church, North Melbourne. Philippa was a frequent visitor to the congregation, and made her presence felt there. In particular at Christmas time, in the last verse of 'O Come all ye faithful' she and a couple of others spontaneously would combine to sing the descant during the last verse. It seemed like Angels had come to settle on the roof. The people received a real lift from the gift that Pip brought, and inspired others to offer the same at Christmas.
The Revd Dr John Smith
formerly Minister of Mark the Evangelist Uniting Church
North Melbourne
***
I’m deeply saddened by this news. Philippa’s influence has been extraordinary on so many levels to so many people. As a first-year student in Philippa’s lectures twenty-odd years ago, I was inspired; in her tutes, crammed in her office on Tuesdays at 5pm, we were challenged and loved it. She was the catalyst for turning points and revelations for hundreds of students. Years later, with an office near Philippa’s, I was struck by her dedication, endless energy, kindness, concern for others, and sensitivity. If I’m a fraction of a teacher, a colleague, a friend, I’ll be very happy.
Sending my love and best wishes to Philippa’s family and friends.
Nicole Crawford
University of Tasmania
***
Like so many, I’m grateful to have known Philippa Maddern. Remember how one weekend in the early 1990s a red plastic rose was looped deftly to the mouth of the carved classical horse’s head high on the wall of the Arts foyer? Somehow we postgrads knew this had to have been Pip, working as usual ‘like a scholar’ after hours, and with the practical skill to manage a slip knot. She had an eye for the point of leverage that might just shift a culture. Again and again her clear, compassionate brilliance made a difference. In so many ways, Philippa transformed unwieldy structures with her particular zest and grace.
Katharine Massam
University of Divinity
Melbourne
***
The world has lost a great soul in Philippa Maddern, but she gave so much to enrich our lives while she was amongst us. My friendship with her dates from the 1970s, and then when she came to live and work in Perth we continued to have connections through the History Department. In the 1990s we taught a University Extension weekend together at New Norcia. In 2000 I moved to Melbourne to serve at Mark the Evangelist Uniting Church, North Melbourne. Philippa was a frequent visitor to the congregation, and made her presence felt there. In particular at Christmas time, in the last verse of 'O Come all ye faithful' she and a couple of others combined to sing the descant during the last verse. It seemed like Angels had come to settle on the roof. The people received a real lift from the gift that Pip brought, and inspired others to offer at Christmas.
The Revd Dr John Smith
formerly Minister of Mark the Evangelist Uniting Church
North Melbourne
***
I was grieved to hear of Philippa Maddern’s death and shocked, since I had been totally unaware of her illness. I would like to offer my condolence!
Margarete Rubik
Univ. Prof. Dr. Margarete Rubik
Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik
Universität Wien
***
We were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Dr Phillipa Maddern. Although we never met her, I thought we got to know her through her constant, lively and assuring presence on the ARC website.
Our sincere condolences
Gunnar and Joan Horn
***
Pip was a true scholar, an inspiring teacher and an imaginative and supportive colleague. She will be greatly missed.
Sarah Ferber
***
I remember you in glimpses of colour: the bronze skirt just before the big Australian Research Council CHE interview; black eyes aglint, meeting the Minister at the School of Music; an amber pear tart at the British Library café; mauve robe sleeves around my new baby Adam, a week old, in the Charlie Gardiner hospital room; walnut sauce over pasta on your fork, as you point to a blue enamel of Mary; bolded coloured comments on the endless ARC grant applications I sent you to read. You had the gift of contradiction: words which were always both incisive and kind; quests which were both Don Quixotic and socially clever. Una and Adam miss the gifts which need carrying around for days to work out.
On 27 May 2014, only days before you went, we talked of the human senses: you were frail, but managed to make my argument stronger. We talked of birds you could see from your windowsill, and of the Wheel of Fortune. I worried that my visit was too long. Now I wish I had more time.
The article you wrote for my book talks of eternal lives of human souls in heaven. The souls you wrote about went to heaven free of earthly disease, at an ideal human age of thirty three, and met those they loved. I hope you are there, watching games with Ted and reading history with God, in all languages. I fear I shall not look upon your like again.
Assistant Professor Danijela Kambaskovic
Research Associate
UWA, Perth
***
Pip, you were the only person I know who enjoyed playing medieval tunes on your recorder to see if the dog would howl along. You alone out of everybody I know actually de-coded all of Tolkien's runes so that you could read the dust-jacket of "Lord of the rings" in ancient dwarvish. You could quote from memory snippets from "Mike and Psmith" by PG Wodehouse, especially the bit where they hide shoes up the chimney. You came to my school play when I was dressed up as an ogre and said appreciatively, "HEY! YOU'RE UGLY!" Which pleased me no end. You were my role-model, you wonderful brave woman.
Karen Redlich
Melbourne
***
Philippa was such an inspiration to so many people from all around the world. Together with Steph, she was the driving force behind the wonderful ‘Children’s Worlds’ conference at the equally wonderful Centre for the History of Emotions in 2011. I never had so many interesting, exciting and out-of-the-box questions and suggestions as then. And Pip was energetic, fun, in full bloom. She poses for the group picture with a handful of purple jacaranda. Last year, a letter from Pip made it possible for me to come over to Perth (on flight MH17, in fact) for a longer period and I had the chance of working close together with Steph and Pip. Philippa was already very ill then, which she typically told me apologizing that she might be a bit late in picking me up at the airport because of chemo! In the month I was there, she insisted on taking me everywhere, but she was frail and fragile. I did realise when I stepped onto the great train from Perth that I would probably never see her again. That, and this now, is when the emotions take over. Thank you Pip, for the privilege to know you.
Annemarieke
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Curator Medieval Department
***
I missed your month's mind. But then you are readily in my thoughts, with your rich and hearty laughter, and inexhaustible capacity to see a way through any intellectual challenge. Your gift to us all was your great friendship which had a global reach. Your enthusiasm for the medieval and early modern world was entirely infectious. I owe so much to both you and also the late Trish Crawford. You sustained each new generation of medieval and early modern historians through your generosity of spirit, through your leadership and ultimately by being a great role model. We will continue to speak your name with warmth and fondness, and a great sense of sadness and regret that you are not here to join in with us.
Dolly MacKinnon
University of Queensland (& CHE)
***
I became a writer because of the Australian SF writing workshops. Ursula Le Guin’s name on the cover of the 1975 workshop proceedings, The Altered Eye, was sufficient for me to buy the book. Then I got entranced by the descriptions of the workshop process. I bought The View from the Edge, too. Although they featured various talented young writers, some of whom would publish books, the absolute standout was one Philippa C. Maddern.
It was some years till I met Pip (as people called her), at a restaurant meal around Aussiecon II. I noticed first the mop of black hair, the wide, warm smile. At the time I was considerably in awe. Viv Albertine’s recent memoir describes the effect of seeing the cover of Patti Smith’s Horses; and then the Sex Pistols live. Smith looked like an ‘ordinary girl’, the Pistols like Viv and her friends: young outsiders. When I started out the stars of the Oz SF scene were almost to a man hoary old blokes, tending to the deeply sexist. The women of SF were unattainable goddesses, and overseas. Pip was older than me, but otherwise young, acclaimed and an Aussie girl. I found her inspirational. Moreover, she was a strong feminist....
Lucy Sussex writes of Pip online at FableCroft
Full text here
***
It was my privilege to know Philippa in June 2013 when she visited National Taiwan University. Though it was just a short visit--a tour in the anthropology museum and a dinner, I was deeply impressed by her energy, kindness, and humor. I saw her as a model of medieval scholars, who keeps her intellectual curiosity towards the world and brings inspiring passion to people around her. Thank you, Philippa, for sharing all those humorous and yet wise stories with us. Your big and warm smile will always be remembered.
Sophia Y.S. Liu
National Taiwan University
Taiwan
***
How incredibly sad to hear of the death of Philippa Maddern. I had only limited experience of Philippa as a teacher - but that experience was entirely positive. I knew her better as an ambient and animated presence for the good; unfailing cheerful, deeply kind and always helpful. A distinguished scholar and an altogether lovely human being. Philippa's various communities will be much the poorer for her passing.
David Ritter
Chief Executive Officer
Greenpeace Australia Pacific
***
When I was young, "Aunty Pip", as we used to call her, was doing her PhD in Oxford, and she seemed a somewhat mysterious character (I do not have any memories of her before she went to Oxford) who we talked about a lot but never got to see. However, when Pip returned to Australia she soon became a very important and much beloved figure in my life, as well as a role model, with her sense of humour, her kindness and generosity, her enthusiasm for life, and her hospitality, among many other qualities.
She did not hesitate to make her opinions known if, for example, the government had done something she didn't approve of, but I have never heard her say a bad word about her family or friends. She was also one of those people who would do anything for their family and friends. When her mother was ill, Pip was constantly travelling between Perth and Morwell (Victoria). I'll never know how she found the energy to juggle this with her already busy workload and other commitments, or how much it must have cost her in air- and train-fares, but I never heard her complain once. Similarly, when the father of Gaye, one of Pip's closest friends, was on his deathbed, Pip was in England at the time, but she was on the next plane to Australia to be with Gaye and attend the funeral, and then she headed straight back to England to continue her research. Again, I don't know how she found the energy to do this, but I never heard her complain. She was always supportive and non-judgmental. When I had been teaching in England but decided to come back to Australia earlier than planned because I was finding it very tough, I could tell that Pip was disappointed that I hadn't stayed in England for longer, but she didn't criticize my decision, and that meant a lot to me.
She went out of her way to make visitors welcome. When she came back to Australia and was living at Queen's College as a tutor, my sisters and I would often go to stay with her, and she put a lot of thought into finding things for us to do that we enjoyed. For instance, she took me to "Experilearn" - the hands-on science exhibition at the Melbourne Museum - and she took me to see the parking meters near the college (which I had a fascination for at the time), and even waited at one of them with me to watch the "Expired" tab pop up. It also seemed very special visiting her at Queen's College because she was one of the first people I knew who had a computer. Many years later, when I finally got around to visiting her in Perth, she again took the time and effort to make my stay a very pleasant one with the meals she prepared and the activities she planned.
Pip was one of the most widely-travelled people I have known - in particular, she has been to the UK so many times, for research and pleasure, that it must have seemed like a second home to her.
She was always interested to hear about other people’s travels, even if she had already been there herself (which was usually the case). She also never seemed to tire of seeing new places. In 2007, when I went to England to meet with my sister Elizabeth for some sightseeing, Pip just happened to be there too, on yet another research visit, and we arranged for the three of us to go as far as St Albans together, after which Pip would take the train back to London and Elizabeth and I would continue northwards. While in St Albans we visited the cathedral. I had half expected that Pip would be blase about this, since she had probably seen it already, or seen so many other cathedrals that this one would be of little interest to her. But instead, to my surprise and amusement, Pip acted like a child let loose in a lolly shop (for want of a better description) – rushing around from one spot to another and exclaiming "Look at that!" and "Isn't that amazing?" every five seconds. More recently, when I visited her in hospital a couple of days before she died, I was able to tell her about my recent visit to Bali with my partner Deanne, which was of great interest to Pip as that had been one of her and Ted’s favourite destinations. I was amazed by how on-the-ball she was even then - for instance, when I mentioned the park with monkeys, she said, "Oh, yes, the one at Ubud".
Pip had many other interests apart from travel, many of which I shared (and even if I didn't, she had a way of talking about them that made them interesting to me). I don't think she actually introduced me to the comic strip "Asterix", but she certainly helped me to appreciate it more by pointing out the many levels of humour contained within, and explaining the Latin quotes and references to historical events. We also shared a fondness for Walt Disney comics, puzzles, music and much more.
She put a lot of thought into birthday and Christmas presents and had an almost uncanny knack for choosing presents that were interesting, unusual, exactly what we wanted, or sometimes even a combination of these. For example, recently she gave me a "scratch map" of the world, where the countries were covered with paint that you could scratch off once you had visited them. I have endeavoured to take after her in this respect with the presents I have given my family and friends, although I'm not sure whether I've been able to do it as well as she did.
Pip's life was tragically cut short, but she has left behind many happy memories. Thank you for everything, Pip.
John Howes
Philippa's Nephew
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