Tom Pannell

Pannell was born in Romford, England.[1] He was a graduate of the Royal College of Art.[2]

After graduation he worked for the Scottish firm of Reid and Taylor but left in 1965 to become the head of fashion and textiles at the Nottingham College of Art and Design.[2]

In 1986 he was made the Director of Glasgow School of Art, taking over from Tony Jones.[1]

It was during Pannell's tenure that the corporate speak of the CNAA became necessary for course validation at the School of Art. The need for objectives and five year plans that such restrictions imposed were not for him, and he resigned from his post in 1989.[2]

He retired to Taunton in England.[2]

He was replaced by Bill Buchanan.[3]

He died on 22 June 2003 in Somerset.

The Glasgow School of Art magazine Flow had this tribute:[4]

It is with great sadness that we have to report the tragic death of Tom Pannell, following an accident at his home in Somerset. Tom was Director of the School from 1986 – 89. Well liked and a true gentleman, he strengthened the School’s links with the local Trades Houses and the City’s design industries and was also an active figure in the development of the Royal Society of Arts programmes north of the border.