An announcement from Dr Geoff Browell, Chair of AIM25, on the death of our beloved friend and colleague, Dr Andrea Tanner.
“It is with deep sadness that I have to report the death of Dr Andrea Tanner, Archivist of Fortnum & Mason, after a long illness. Andrea was a respected and much loved contributor to the retail archive sector, and to the profession more generally. During a long and varied career at the College of Arms, Fortnum’s, at Great Ormond Street Hospital and as an academic historian at the Institute of Historical Research, she inspired and supervised a generation of young historians and archivists. An expert on the history of medicine and healthcare, among many important contributions, she co-developed the important Historic Hospital Admission Records Project. Inspired by a deep and abiding faith, she possessed a ‘genius for friendship’ and her laughter, good humour, deep compassion, fierce intellect and wise disposition will be sorely missed. She is survived by her siblings, Janice, Anne and Billy, and by her extended family of nephews, nieces and many godchildren. A Requiem Mass is taking place at 11am on 10 December at The Brompton Oratory in South Kensington. Please no flowers, but there will be a collection at the service for homeless charities”.
A Tribute from Anne Barrett, Treasurer, on behalf of the AIM25 Board of Trustees.
“Andrea made a difference: she was a great friend and a great colleague and mentor to those in her wide social and professional circles, and particularly to many of us in the archival world who had the privilege of knowing her. Andrea’s warmth and keen involvement in many activities, including AIM25, Archives for London, her academic work, and exceptional service in her role as Archivist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Fortnum and Mason will be remembered and revered”.
A Tribute from David Cordery, Director, Max Communications.
“I had the privilege of knowing Andrea for c.20 years, and she was truly one of the kindest and most biggest-hearted people that I have ever met—so gentle, caring, and full of compassion. She was deeply respected and will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing her. There’s an extra star shining in the sky tonight, and I have no doubt it’s the brightest of them all”.
Obituary Notice in The Times, Wednesday the 4th of December 2024
“TANNER Dr Andrea Isobel (née Duncan), loving wife of the late John Tanner CBE, founding director of RAF Museums, died peacefully on 23rd November 2024, aged 68. Beloved sister to Janice, Billy and Anne, devoted aunt and godmother. Company archivist at Fortnum & Mason, much-respected academic historian, inspiring teacher, mentor and friend. Funeral to be held on Tuesday 10th December at 11am at the Brompton Oratory, South Kensington. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, in Andrea’s memory to any charity supporting the homeless and those in food poverty. A retiring collection will be taken at the requiem mass”.
A Podcast From “Dr T“ — Recorded for during the Covid-19 Crisis, June 2020