In Memory of Robert Willis

This week, we have been celebrating the life of Robert Willis, who was responsible for developing the networks of so many artists.

In 2022, he retired as Dean of Canterbury, and was admired by a large circle of friends.

It was Robert Willis, who introduced us at the New Art Centre to Edmund de Waal, who spoke so eloquently this Sunday at Salisbury Cathedral, for the service celebrating Robert’s life.

Robert Willis worked in the Diocese of Salisbury for seventeen years, 1975-1992, before his appointment as Dean of Hereford and then of Canterbury. He was successively Vicar Choral at Salisbury Cathedral, Team Rector of Tisbury, and Vicar of Sherborne. He served as Rural Dean of Chalke and of Sherborne, and was a member of the College of Canons of Salisbury.

Through the coronavirus pandemic Robert became familiar to online audiences worldwide via his daily Morning Prayer videos from The Deanery Garden at Canterbury.