David Allardice Webb – the man and the myth
16 November 2012
The centenary of the birth of one of TCD’s most remarkable scholars was celebrated in style on November 16th 2012, at a gathering jointly hosted by the Department of Botany and the Trinity Botanical Society.
A six-panel photographic display charted the life and times of David Webb, from a page-boy at a wedding in 1916, through some striking pictures of an increasingly distinguished-looking scholar, to the Grand Old Man still remembered - with varying blends of awe and affection - by many at the gathering. This was accompanied by a selection of letters, including a warm tribute from his niece Ms Caroline Brauhart (who lives in New South Wales) and a neatly-worded apology from the Earl and Countess of Rosse (away, appropriately, on a plant-hunting expedition to Taiwan).
Dr Sheila McNally, former Lecturer in TCD Botany Department, inspects the photographic display.
Photo: Mr John Kelly.
The first lecture was ‘”Webb” – far more than just a flora’, by Dr Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens. Dr Jebb traced Webb’s remarkable career trajectory, from animal physiologist to plant taxonomist. (His Cambridge Ph.D. was on the biochemistry of marine invertebrates). Jebb extolled the diversity and intellectual quality of Webb’s contributions to Botany. ‘An Irish Flora’, first published in 1943, filled a hitherto empty niche and went through six editions in his lifetime. Webb’s magnum opus was undoubtedly Flora Europaea: five hefty volumes, of which he was joint editor. Jebb concluded with a résumé of Webb’s Presidential Address to the Botanical Society of the British Isles, “Genera, hollow curves and boojums”, a characteristically effervescent blending of wit and wisdom in which Lewis Carroll’s ‘The hunting of the Snark’ becomes a metaphor for different types of taxonomist (most memorably the Butcher, the Beaver and the Bellman).
Ninety participants stayed on to dine on Commons in the Dining Hall. These included undergraduates and postgraduates, alumni (spanning six decades), present and former staff, and well-wishers from the wider botanical and academic world. As special guests we welcomed Webb’s nephew and godson Patrick Benham with his wife Pameli; also grand-niece Ella and grand-nephews Aogán and Martin.
Such were the crowds that the Botany Lecture Theatre would not hold them, and both lectures had to be shifted to alternative venues. Benham gave a short but well-crafted and nicely timed address. He did not recall receiving much spiritual instruction from his godfather, but special occasions such as his 21st birthday were marked by generous gifts of silver!
From L: Dr Matthew Jebb, Mr Patrick Benham, Professor Daniel Kelly, Senator Sean Barrett
Photo: Mr John Kelly.
Senator Sean Barrett, a friend of long standing, gave an entertaining talk on “David Webb, the College man”. Webb participated in many aspects of the life of the College that was not only his alma mater but his home for over 50 years. Webb’s deep engagement with this unique institution found expression in ‘Trinity College Dublin 1592-1952: an academic history’, co-authored with R.B. McDowell. Barrett’s talk was well-larded with anecdotes that reflected different aspects of Webb’s complex personality. (The famously acerbic wit was epitomized by an occasion in the Senior Common Room when Webb, intent on his newspaper, was interrupted by an aspiring candidate with the eager question “Oh, David, do you think I am too old to run for Provost?” To which came the crushing retort: “Well…. It’s not your greatest disadvantage”).
During the event an appeal was launched to support a studentship in Webb’s memory. The David Webb Studentship will fund a Ph.D. student to investigate some aspect of the Irish or European flora. The studentship is to be supported by subscription from alumni; details will follow in the New Year.
From L: Dr Sarah Kimberly, Ms Saorla Kavanagh, Dr Naomi Kingston
Photo: Mr John Kelly.
The day concluded with a convivial wine reception. The whole event surpassed all expectations. (A fuller account, with video clips, photographs and more, is to appear shortly at www.tcd.ie/Botany) The affection and loyalty shown to TCD Botany was heart-warming; pride in our past gives hope for our future.
Podcast of the event
Acknowledgements
Many contributed to making this event such a success: we thank in particular our trio of speakers, also Dr James White, Dr Peter Wyse Jackson and Mr Arthur Chater.
Daniel L. Kelly, Ph.D
Associate Professor and Head of Botany, TCD