Anita Brookner
English novelist and art historian (1928–2016)
Anita Brookner was a distinguished English novelist and art historian, whose career spanned multiple disciplines. Born in 1928, she established herself as a prominent figure in both literature and art history. Her expertise in fine art led to her appointment as Slade Professor of Fine Art at the University of Cambridge, a position she held from 1967 to 1968. Notably, she was the first woman to occupy this prestigious visiting professorship, marking a significant milestone in her academic career.
As a novelist, Brookner achieved considerable success, with her writing garnering critical acclaim. Her most notable literary achievement came in 1984, when she was awarded the Booker-McConnell Prize for her novel Hotel du Lac. This recognition underscored her skill as a storyteller and solidified her position within the literary world. Throughout her life, Brookner maintained a strong presence in both academic and literary circles, until her passing in 2016. Her legacy continues to be celebrated, reflecting her contributions to the fields of literature and art history.