Portrait of Prof. Lammert Leertouwer, Professor of Theology, Rector Magnificus from 1991-1997, Leiden University. Painting by Marike Bok (1979).We are very sad to inform you that Prof. Lammert Leertouwer (1932-2024) died on Monday, 21st October 2024. Lammert was a member of the TRC Board for many years and was Chair of the Board until his retirement in 2017, but he continued as an ordinary member.

I first met Lammert at the Volkenkunde Museum, Leiden, where he was a special advisor to the museum. He had just retired as Rector Magnificus of Leiden University, and the museum had quickly employed him to help them promoting research at different levels.

We met in the queue of the Museum’s café and discussed life, the universe, textiles, etc. He totally understood what we were doing and why. When his time at the museum came to an end, he very kindly agreed to continue helping the TRC, because he was intrigued by us, and what we wanted to do. I had various talks with Lammert in his study at home discussing problems, people and the future of the TRC. His many anecdotes were proverbial. I shall miss Lammert.

Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director, 23 October 2024