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Interview
2351, NH/27
Natural Heroes

Speaker: Gornell, Richard, 1951 - 0, Interviewee, Male, Botanist
Speaker: Hyde, Colin, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls early interest from grandfather and mother who were gardeners. Recalls early education was not biology, has A level science. Studied Chemisty/Physics at St. Andrews, Fife and took botany course. Reflects that fewer botany courses now available - no interest. Recalls interest in biodiversity at college. Recalls favourite lecturers. Mentions taking year out in Trinidad before college. Gained PhD at University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Illustrates interest in saxifrage family. Recalls visiting Rocky Mountains, Alaska and California. Specialised in saxifrage, genetics of aquatic plants. Currently works at University of Leicester and comments on running Botanic Gardens especially herbarium. Comments on research work of saxifrage, especially Chinese and aquatic plants. Admires David Attenborough and Prof. David Webb, Dublin. Mentions favourite books - British Flora, Keble Martin's flora and Stebbin's plant evolution. Outlines concern that taxonomy no longer taught. Awarded Linnean Society's bicentenary medal - 1987. President of Botanical Society of British Isles and Genetical Society of Great Britain. Mentions specimens are at herbarium and slides used in lectures.
Place of birth: London
Education: PhD in Taxonomy
Marital Status: Married, Children: Daughter & sons
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
Language:

Recording Date: 22/2/2008
Playing time: 43 mins, 15 secs
Access Restrictions: Full Consent Item Copyright: LCC
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies:
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02
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