Thomas Puttfarken was one of the most accomplished and original art historians of the last quarter century. His enormous contribution to the life and work of the University of Essex, where he spent nearly all of his academic career, included vigorous sponsorship of the arts on and off campus (including the University choir), and support for the preservation of the built and natural environments. He was a lover of good food, good wine, good company, and a wide range of music–as well as a talented painter and furniture-maker.

Thomas Puttfarken was one of the most accomplished and original art historians of the last quarter century. His enormous contribution to the life and work of the University of Essex, where he spent nearly all of his academic career, included vigorous sponsorship of the arts on and off campus (including the University choir), and support for the preservation of the built and natural environments. He was a lover of good food, good wine, good company, and a wide range of music–as well as a talented painter and furniture-maker.