Sad news

The Wellcome Library has been terribly shocked and very saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Bridget Kinally, one of the Library's senior managers and a leading light. Bridget passed away in Greece on the 29 September, while on holiday.

Many readers would not have encountered Bridget in person - but all are beneficiaries of her professionalism and drive to see the Library collections rehoused, preserved, conserved, displayed, described, exhibited and taken to wider audiences. In her time at the Library she introduced professional collection management techniques and procedures, taking a key role in transforming a traditional research library into a landmark heritage organisation.

Bridget's cultural awareness and her energy and enthusiasm were legendary. But she will be remembered primarily for her small, discreet kindnesses : her concern for family matters, her words of consolation, her unerring radar for someone in trouble - and for champagne and extravagant cakes when celebrations were in order.

Bridget's funeral will take place today - October 31st - and attended by many of us. She is survived by her partner, the curator and collection consultant, Robert Taylor.