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The British School at Athens mourns the passing of Diana Wardle, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham who was involved with the school since 1970.

Diana contributed immensely to archaeology over decades through her scholarship, mentorship, and passion for communicating discoveries. Diana was such a welcoming person, be it in her excavations or in her kitchen, and was famous for her cooking.

Diana began her long relationship with the school as a BSA Student in 1970-71 and she continued to be a BSA member and part of its community for decades. Her meticulous illustrations captured artifacts from major excavations like Lefkandi, Knossos and Servia for publication. In 1986, Diana designed “A Scent of Thyme BSA 1986 Centenary Exhibition,” engaging visitors with insights into BSA history. At the National Archaeological museum in Athens, Diana studied and made the first drawn record of Shaft Grave gold cups in 2016.

Later, Diana became a Finds Assistant and then Finds Director on excavations like Assiros and Knossos 2000. Beyond the BSA, she authored many influential publications spanning topics from prehistoric textiles to Roman tombs, with a generous spirit of collaboration. She disseminated archaeological knowledge through lectures, exhibitions and films and curated acclaimed museum exhibitions, bringing archaeology to wider audiences. She was Extra Mural Lecturer at the University of Birmingham as well as being a co-director of the Mycenae Project and an Honorary Research Fellow at the university.

Diana Wardle leaves a tremendous legacy. Through her talents she transformed understanding of the ancient world, while inspiring others. The BSA has lost a devoted scholar and researcher. She, her husband Ken and daughter Nicola were a formidable archaeological team and we send Diana’s family and friends our deepest condolences.

Photo: Diana at work in the National Archaeological Museum in 2016. Credit: Maria Lagogianni-Georgakarakos