Oliver James Watson (1949-2023)

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Oliver Watson, Emeritus Professor of Islamic Art & Architecture. Oliver was the inaugural I.M. Pei Professor of Islamic Art & Architecture, and was a most valued colleague and friend to the staff and students at the Khalili Research Centre. He will be greatly missed by all of us at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

Oliver's daughters write:

We write sadly to tell you that our father, Oliver, died on Thursday 30 November 2023.
He had been living with prostate cancer since the summer of 2021 but despite this, his life remained full of playing music, writing, drawing and friends until just the last few weeks.
After a procedure in early October, his health declined rapidly, and he had been in and out of hospital.
Although increasingly frail, his final days were surrounded by his children, family, friends and his wife Fiona, their recent wedding having brought them both much joy.

A celebration of his life will be held in Oxford before Christmas. Further details of the arrangements will be sent when they have been finalised.
Oliver was a wonderful father and husband, a steadfast friend and he will be greatly missed.

Lilian, Maisie and Isobel Watson