Remembered with Affection: Professor Peter George Cull MBE, FMAA, HonFIMI, OBSt.J (1927–2012) Emeritus Professor of Medical Art, University of London, U.K.

Abstract

This is a tribute to one of the Institute of Medical Illustrators’ most distinguished Honorary Fellows. It contains many personal impressions, recollections and anecdotes. No apologies are tendered for this. Nor will the account necessarily be in chronological order, because there are so many strands to Peter Cull's eventful career. It is also partly a biography of the medical artist, intellectual, educationalist, mentor, colleague, humourist, devoted family man and friend. It represents a life of opportunities made, and grasped to advance the profession of visual communication in medicine via all its modes and means, by example, industry, ingenuity and integrity. Along an eventful road, a generosity of spirit and great personal kindness helped countless others making their own particular way. From this, many firm life-long friendships have been formed. The article reflects on the special qualities of a person able to excel in so many spheres of influence, of whom we can be but pale imitations. Not just my opinion but the praises of others to be included will confirm absolutely the enormous regard in which Peter was held and the debt of gratitude owed him by so many. And so: Peter Cull—‘Remembered with Affection’.

Acknowledgements

I am indebted to Mrs Bettine Cull for lending me artworks for reproduction; Graham Cull for personal information about his father, the Cull family and help with securing the illustrations; Professor Brian Jolly, School of Medicine and Public Health, Newcastle University, New South Wales, Australia; Philip Wilson, Philip Ball and Gillian Lee of the MAA; Cathy Driver; Linda Perez, (PA to Peter Cull 1982–1991); Bob Tapper and Bryony Cohen at Bart's and the London Medical Illustration, Jonathan Evans and Katie Ormerod at Bart's and the London NHS Trust Archives Department; Ross G. Milligan of IMI; Robert W. Toy, Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust; Georgina Lomax, Alumni Relations and Fundraising, Queen Mary, University of London; Sandra Stocker of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem; Julie Gallagher and David Wilkinson of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland & The AAGBI Foundation.