William Julius Lowthian PLOWDEN

William was my tutor at the LSE in 1966-67. I was a greenhorn from Canada at the time , and had great difficulty in understanding the British University system ( oh, just go and listen to Michael (Oakeshott) and Ralph (Miliband), if you want to, but you don't need to, what do YOU want to study and do your research about) but above all he was a quiet and gentle person who tried to draw his students out.

Tom Busing
Ottawa

I too had the pleasure of working for William Plowden at the RIPA, where he brought together a remarkably stimulating group of colleagues and associates. He was that rare combination of things that one values in a boss: charming, intelligent, wise, modest, supportive, and even-tempered. He will be greatly missed.

I served with William for 10 years at the RIPA. He was the most inspiring of Director-Generals and led us into many fascinating and rewarding directions in the search for a more effective public service. A joy to work with, he was stimulating, kindly, humorous and always encouraging. I recall my days spent with him as one of the highlights of my career. I'm glad that it didn't just end there and I had the opportunity to re-engage with him many times over lunch in latter years. A true friend...

William Plowden was my tutor at the LSE, 1965-6. His intelligence, articulateness, curiosity, and endless patience were qualities I greatly valued. I have often thought about him over the years and always with increased esteem. On a lighter note he was quite the most elegantly attired member of staff. He brought a dash of Carnaby Street to LSE's academic subfusc. Thank you, William, you will not be forgotten.