Don Egginton, a professor of accounting at Bristol University and head of its economics department, has died aged 92. He was also an accomplished artist who created works in various media for over 50 years.
Academic and artistic career
Egginton was born in the East End of London to Eileen (née Burnett) and Albert Egginton. His family home was bombed during the Blitz, and they were evacuated to Norfolk. His father died as a prisoner of war in Burma after surviving Dunkirk.
He attended Hammond's grammar school in Swaffham, passing 11 O-levels before leaving school to work. In 1957, after working as a banker and completing national service, he was accepted at the London School of Economics based on his O-levels alone. He graduated in 1960, trained as a chartered accountant, and became a lecturer in accounting at Bristol University in 1963. He spent his entire working life there, becoming professor in 1986 and head of department in 1990, retiring as emeritus professor in 1997.
Artistic output and community work
Egginton created a body of art spanning over half a century, in a variety of media. He cited Banksy and Picasso as two of his favourite artists. His work was exhibited at the Bath Society of Artists, the Royal West of England Academy, and Clifton Arts Club, of which he was an active member. Ace Arts in Somerton, Somerset, hosted a 2024 retrospective of his work titled Believe in Me and I’ll Believe in You, named after his sculpture of a gold unicorn. His portrait of economist Alfred Marshall, after Sir William Rothstein's 1908 painting, hangs at the university.
Community, art, and charity were essential to Egginton. He was one of the first Samaritans volunteers and an active Liberal party member, joining in 1961 and standing in council elections. He helped set up a Bristol community garden that still operates as a designated town green, and initiated a local rewilding project now protected in perpetuity.
Personal life and legacy
Egginton married Angela Shirras in 1959; they separated and divorced 30 years later. They met in the Conservative club in Dereham, though both were lifelong Liberal supporters. He is survived by his three children, David, Elizabeth, and the author, and grandchildren Sasha and Jack. Don will be remembered above all for his kindness.
