Taylorian

112

TAYLORIAN 2024

Lucy Solomon Lucy joined Taylors’ in September 2022 and quickly established herself as one of the academic powerhouses of the English Department, mixing it with the estimable Dr Hetherington and Mr Richardson. While us mere mortals searched in vain for the right words, Lucy would complete our garbled utterances with just the right turn of phrase or literary reference. Very quickly, the English Office became a place not just of highbrow literary discussion but also of banter and good humour. Possessed of tremendous empathy and a sharp wit, she could lift spirits like very few. Her influence on the students was immediate. Sixth Formers revered her sagacity, and it was no surprise when two of her students were offered Oxbridge places last year, having been supported with interview practice and high-quality teaching. Her work with the Oxbridge Extension Class this year has been exemplary, and those in her charge will forever be grateful for the breadth of great literature she

has introduced them to. Seeing that one session revolved around the opening of Trainspotting , I tried my hand at reading aloud in the Glaswegian accent imitated by the prose – she brought the joy of literature to colleagues as well as students. Mr D. G. Robinson I first met Lucy as my adversary at interview. Despite being well into the uncomfortable third trimester of her pregnancy, she cut an intimidating figure as she joked with other candidates about literature. In this first meeting, Lucy quickly revealed some central tenets of her character: a finely-honed mind, a collegiate mentality, and a fierce maternalism. As we embarked upon our Merchant Taylors’ career, Lucy became a mentor and a friend, unfailingly offering sage advice, a shoulder to cry upon, or perhaps most importantly, riotous commentaries on an expansive selection of texts. Those absent for the conversation on Utterson’s

I could eulogise the quality of Lucy’s significant academic contributions here, or comment upon her resplendent fashions, but words are in short supply. I think we all recognise her calibre without my elucidations. Rather, I hope to commemorate in print the depth of Lucy’s empathy and her generosity with her time. Should she hear the fateful phrase, “I’m tired…”, Lucy would immediately offer to help. This support is not limited to her colleagues. Recently, I found her in the office continuing her English Extension class into break so as not to prematurely conclude their discussion on Pamela and its subsequent parody, Shamela . Needless to say, I sat down and tuned in. Summarily, Lucy Solomon embodies excellence. Her loss will be seismic within the department, and the wider school, despite the brevity of her stay. I know she will be sorely missed. Miss L. S. Green

nightmare with Lucy and Dr Michael Hetherington, frankly, missed out.