Crispin Robinson

16 April 2024

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the death of Crispin Robinson on 6 April. Crispin joined Stowe in September 1993 after completing an MPhil at the Courtauld Institute, followed by doctoral research into Fra Bartolomeo at the Dominican Convent of San Marco while working as a Special Assistant at the British Museum. 

Crispin created the History of Art Department at Stowe, now a flagship department with stellar results, and rose to become Senior Deputy Head. A civilised, humane and compassionate scholar, known affectionately by former tutees as ‘ Robbo’, Crispin was the consummate schoolmaster who taught his charges “to assume at a moment’s notice a new intellectual position, to acquire taste, discrimination, mental courage, soberness and, above all, to gain self-knowledge” (William Johnson). 

Crispin retired from Stowe after 27 years of outstanding service, winning the gratitude, respect and admiration of countless pupils, parents, and colleagues. Crispin found huge solace in his faith and the certainty of the resurrection. The counterpart of suffering and grief is the compassion and love it inspires. Crispin’s legacy lives on in the History of Art Department and the many Stoics he inspired through his teaching and boundless pastoral care. The Robbo Bursary Fund has been established to honour Crispin and there will be a Memorial Service at Stowe in June (details to be published in due course). 

Anthony Wallersteiner
Head