Chris Mullen: The Art Educator Who Championed Visual Communication
Chris Mullen, who has died aged 81, was a distinguished figure in art and design education, celebrated for his innovative teaching methods and his passion for visual storytelling. His career, which spanned over three decades, left an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike.
A Pioneering Teaching Career
Mullen began his teaching journey in 1972 at Norwich School of Art, where he served as a lecturer in liberal studies on a vocational design course. He quickly gained a reputation for his engaging and entertaining performances in the lecture theatre, while simultaneously developing groundbreaking ideas to better integrate contextual studies with studio practice. This approach would become a hallmark of his educational philosophy.
In 1989, he moved to the University of Brighton as a senior lecturer, where he taught on a new MA course in narrative illustration and editorial design alongside notable figures John Vernon Lord and George Hardie. From 1995 until his retirement in 2005, he served as research supervisor on the studio-based PhD course, mentoring a new generation of artists and designers.
The Visual Library: A Treasure Trove of Inspiration
Outside the classroom, Mullen was an avid collector, amassing a vast library of books, magazines, and printed ephemera with a strong emphasis on visual communication. This extensive resource, which he freely shared with his students, became a source of surprise and inspiration, exposing them to a rich seam of unfamiliar visual material. Much of this collection can still be viewed on his website, The Visual Telling of Stories, serving as a lasting legacy.
Many of his former students, including internationally acclaimed artists such as Barbara Loftus and Clare Strand, have acknowledged how his compendium of obscure and overlooked imagery, combined with his constructive criticism and sensitive encouragement, profoundly clarified their ideas and artistic practice.
Academic and Personal Life
Born in Liverpool, Mullen was the elder son of Marjorie (née Noel) and Peter Mullen. After the family moved to Hertfordshire, he attended Watford Boys Grammar School from 1956 to 1963, where he formed close friendships that lasted a lifetime. He graduated from the University of East Anglia in 1968 with a degree in history of art, followed by a PhD in 1971, before embarking on his teaching career.
His research was diverse and impactful, including a study on the relationship between cigarette pack design and popular culture, which resulted in the book Cigarette Pack Art (1979). Another significant project focused on the American business magazine Fortune between 1930 and 1965, leading to exhibitions at the University of East Anglia and the Rochester Institute of Technology in the US, as well as the publication Fortune’s America.
In 1968, he married Oriole Kirkby, and together they had three children: Edie, Jack, and Sam. He is survived by his wife, children, and three grandchildren: Isla, Felix, and Anja.
Legacy in Art and Design Education
Chris Mullen’s contributions to art and design education extend beyond his teaching roles. His dedication to visual communication and his willingness to share knowledge freely have inspired countless students and professionals. His work continues to influence the field, reminding us of the power of imagery and storytelling in education.
