Barbara Wright (1935 - 2019)#

Academia Europaea are greatly saddened to announce the death of Professor Barbara Wright, former Chair of the Literary and Theatrical section and a greatly valued member of the Council of Academia Europaea. Prof. Wright was a member of the Academy since its foundation in 1989.

Professor Wright was elected in 1989, one of the first cohort of members after the establishment of the AE in 1988. She was a member of the Literary and theatrical Studies Section and a Section committee member from its creation [1990 – 2003]. She was a member of the Council of the Academia from 1993 – 1998 and also served on the Publications sub-committee, assisting the editor-in-Chief of the European Review for many years. She also provided valuable input into the Programme sub-committee for three years, and was an active and wise member of the Nominations and Elections sub-committee from 2004 - 2013.

On 25 September 2019, Professor Wright was named Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur by Ambassador of France to Ireland, Stéphane Crouzat at a special ceremony at his Résidence in recognition of her exceptional career studying and promoting French literature and painting.

The Légion d’honneur, France’s premier award, was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte to recognise eminent accomplishments of service to France. The Légion d’honneur may be given to foreign (non-French) citizens in recognition of actions benefiting the country of France or achievements which uphold its ideals.

Read Professor Roger Little's address held on the occasion of Prof. Wright's memorial service.

Interview with Professor Wright describing her early life in Trinity College. #