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PHILIPPA DUNHAM SHAPLIN

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PHILIPPA SHAPLIN Obituary

PHILIPPA DUNHAM SHAPLIN BURLINGTON - Philippa Dunham Shaplin died at her home in Burlington on Feb. 19, 2011 at the age of 89, surrounded by family and friends. "Pippa" was born on March 6, 1921 in Holliston, Mass. She spent her childhood in Egypt, England and Jamaica Plain, Mass. During World War II, she served in the office of censorship in Hawaii. Pippa studied Art History at Smith College, Harvard University, Wellesley College and Washington University, eventually receiving an MA in this field. From 1965-68, Pippa was assistant curator of Ancient and Primitive Art at the St. Louis Art Museum. From 1968 to 1971, she was registrar at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University. Then, until her retirement in 1994, Pippa was a professor of Art History at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in conjunction with Tufts University in Boston, Mass. She was also distinguished for her consultancies at the Metropolitan Center for the Arts in St. Louis, Smith College Art Museum, Fitchburg Art Museum in Mass., Museo Frissell de Arte Zapoteca in Oaxaca, Mexico, and at the Fleming Museum at UVM. She designed the permanent displays on African and Egyptian Art and Classical Art at the Fleming Museum. Pippa wrote numerous publications in magazines such as Archaeology. After her retirement she continued to be invited to lecture until she could no longer travel. She was employed by both the University of Vermont and Burlington College as a lecturer. Throughout her life, Pippa was a generous supporter of the democratic party and numerous humanitarian causes. Her parents, Dows and Marion Dunham; and her husband, Judson Shaplin, predeceased her. She is survived by her children, Alfred Shaplin, John Shaplin and Helen Dechtiar; as well as 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for her at the family cabin in Maine in the summer. Arrangements are in the care of Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Service of Shelburne.

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Published by The Burlington Free Press on Feb. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for PHILIPPA SHAPLIN

15 Entries

Connell Gallagher

February 23, 2025

I remember spending many afternoons talking with Mrs. Shaplin about her career as an art historian and about her wonderful book collection. I'll never forget her. Connell Gallagher

Connell Gallagher

March 7, 2022

I will always remember Mrs. Shaplin. I was a frequent visitor and we had lovely talks about art history and about her specialties in Egypt and Africa. I loved looking at her books. She had a great library of mainly art history.

Connell Gallagher

February 18, 2021

I still remember those wonderful afternoons I spent with Pippa learning about her background and her work at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Then we would look at books and she would tell me stories about Egypt and the Nubia. I love books and I love to learn about them. I still miss her. Best, Connell

March 23, 2011

Dear Helen

Connell B. Gallagher

March 21, 2011

Dear John & Helen:

Pippa and I discovered each other about ten years ago. I was Head of Special Collections at UVM for about 20 years before I retired in 2006. Pippa contacted me about my wife's book "Breeding Better Vermonters," and she always wanted to speak with Nancy about this. She invited me to come and see her about her library, hoping that some of the books might be of interest to UVM. We wrote back and forth about art and books, and I visited her a few times to talk and look at the books. She had loads of stories, and I so enjoyed listening to her talk about her father and about her own work in museums in the Midwest and in Boston, and her courses at Tufts. She would have been so much fun as a teacher. She began to teach me a little about Egypt and she recommended a number of books to me. She was such a positive and interesting person with a good sense of humor. She was as sharp as a tack. I am so sorry that she is no longer with us, but I will always remember her.

Connell B. Gallagher, Underhill, VT

Cooie & Sal DeFrancesco

March 3, 2011

It's been several decades since we've been in similar orbit, John. Yet reading about Pippa here, I recognize you.

Our condolences to you and your family.

March 3, 2011

Pippa Shaplin was also one of the funniest people I have ever met. Although I admired her erudition and wondered at the breadth and depth of it, I loved to listen to her when she was in high dudgeon about some particularly objectionable person, or attitude or thing. I was amused particularly by her prejudices against certain products, such as anything labeled Smuckers. She was an original. I treasure the letters I have from her, and feel fortunate she believed me worthy of receiving them. Along with many, many others who appreciate men and women of moxie, intelligence and grace such as Pippa, I'll miss her very much. -- Robert Duffy, Saint Louis

Matthew Robb

March 2, 2011

I contacted Pippa through colleagues at the Saint Louis Art Museum and began a lively correspondence with her a couple of years ago. Her letters are testimony to an individual who was full of life, insight, and humor. I am deeply grateful for the history that she shared with me about her time in and memories of Saint Louis. Her diligent work on the collection here will help serve as a legacy to her spirit.

March 2, 2011

Dear Helen,
Sorry to hear about your mothers passing. Sounds like she was a very interesting lady who lived life to its fullest. I hope that fond memories will sustain you and the family at this time.

Hollie Shaner McRae

John Shaplin

February 28, 2011

We kids will always remember her as a great cook and her grandchildren the example of her lively conversation and a house full of books and art. Thanks so much for your wonderful tributes! It means a lot to me.

Erica H. Adams

February 27, 2011

We adored Pippa. She expanded the then, Eurocentric field of art history at SMFA/"Museum School" in the 70s when I was a student. As well, we could count on her equally expansive, liberal and committed view of the political and social world.
A dear soul, she will be remembered.

Patrick Maloney

February 25, 2011

I adored Pippa with all of my heart.
We were kindred spirits at the
Museum School, and we continued a sweet
correspondence thereafter.
My letters to her were always
on yellow lined paper, which pleased and amused her.
My nickname for her was the "Pipmeistress"
and she often signed her letters to me
that way.
A blessed soul, I expect to stay in touch with her
in my dreamworld.

February 25, 2011

With great sadness, I learn of the passing of one of my most beloved clients. I have been Pippa's hair dresser for nearly 30 years. Her visits were always filled with education for me and laughter for us both. She will leave a marked void in my life. From Annie,myself, and all the staff at Metro Hair, our deepest sympathy.

Catherine Tutter

February 24, 2011

I took an art history class with Pippa at School of the Museum of FIne Arts in the early 80's, "Art of Oceania" and was captivated by her wonderful spirit and humour. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of this engaging woman who inspired her students at SMFA with her fertile and inquisitive mind, and her memorable personality.

In sympathy,
Catherine Tutter

John Shaplin

February 24, 2011

Also, Chairman Peabody School PTA, President Cambridge Civic Association, Dad's School Committee Campaign Manager, United Way (etc.) charity fund-raiser, Harvard faculty hostess. Every year she invited all her kids teachers to a lobster- seafood lunch at home with us kids serving.

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