Classics has been taught at UCL since its foundation, with the Chairs of Greek and Latin among its original professorships. Over time, UCL has been home to many leading researchers in classical languages, ancient history and archaeology. It was especially dynamic from the 1950s to 1970s, when major discoveries were made and colleagues played a central role in establishing the Institute of Classical Studies (ICS). They also introduced practices, such as regular seminars, that still shape Classics in London today.
A key figure in this period was T. B. L. Webster (Thomas Bertram Lonsdale Webster, 1905–1974), Professor of Greek at UCL from 1948 to 1968. He specialised in Greek theatre, particularly material evidence such as vase imagery, which sheds light on ancient dramaturgy. He was also known as an engaging and supportive teacher.
When T. B. L. Webster left UCL for Stanford University in 1968, following the death of his wife A.M. Dale (1901–1967), he was presented with a silver cigarette box (fig. 1) by the Department of Greek and Latin. Indeed, smoking was common at the time, even in academic offices. The box (c. 25 × 10 × 2 cm) has a silver exterior and two fine wooden compartments inside.
Its importance lies in the engraved signatures on the inside of the lid (fig. 2). Contemporaries from the Department of Greek and Latin, as well as from History and Archaeology, signed their names in their own handwriting. The box is therefore a unique record of the people who made up Classics at UCL at that moment.
After Webster’s death, the box passed to Eric W. Handley (1926–2013), his successor as Professor of Greek (1968–1984). Handley was also a specialist in Greek theatre, focusing on textual transmission through papyri. Following the deaths of Eric and Carol Handley, the box has now returned to London in UCL’s bicentenary year, thanks to a former student and colleague. It will be preserved as an important document of the history of Classics in London for present and future generations.
The engraved names include staff at different career stages, as well as the departmental secretary, Margaret Packer (later secretary at the ICS). Among them are:
Eric W. Handley (1926–2013; Professor of Greek at UCL 1968–1984, at UCL since 1949), an expert on ancient Greek theatre, on the textual transmission via papyri
Eric Turner (Eric Gardner Turner, 1911–1983; at UCL 1948–1978; first director of the ICS), editor of newly discovered fragments of the comic poet Menander
Otto Skutsch (1906–1990; Professor of Latin 1951–1972), known for his edition of the fragments of Ennius
Michael Winterbottom (b. 1934; Lecturer 1962–1967), a specialist in Cicero, Quintilian and Roman rhetoric
Tony Long (Anthony Arthur Long, b. 1937; at UCL 1966–1973), a leading scholar of ancient philosophy
David Furley (1922–2010; at UCL 1947–1966), also an authority on ancient philosophy
Arnaldo Momigliano (Arnaldo Dante Momigliano, 1908–1987; Professor of Ancient History at UCL 1951–1975), a distinguished historian
John Barron (John Penrose Barron, 1934–2008; at UCL, in Archaeology, 1964–1971), a specialist in archaeology, numismatics and literature
P. E. Corbett (Peter Edgar Corbett, 1920–1992; Yates Professor of Classical Art and Archaeology 1961–1982), an expert on Greek sculpture and painting
Robert Browning (1914–1997; Professor of Classics and Ancient History at Birkbeck College 1965–1981), a noted Byzantinist
At the time, the Department of Greek and Latin occupied a single corridor two storeys up in the UCL main building, with access to the main library at the far end. It attracted strong cohorts of students, both UK and international, and fostered a lively intellectual and social environment. There was frequent exchange of ideas among colleagues, both within UCL and at the ICS, then housed in the Institute of Archaeology building.
The concentration of expertise in Classics in Bloomsbury during this period was remarkable. The fact that so many of these figures are commemorated on a single object makes the cigarette box an extraordinary historical record. It remains an inspiring reminder for staff and students today, and might perhaps even prompt reflection on future leaving gifts.
Find out more about studying Classics at UCL Greek and Latin
With thanks to Professor Gesine Manuwald for writing this news story and uncovering this important piece of UCL history.
