Peter Brownhill, came down from Sheffield and began his association with UH in the late 1980’s as a Model Making student at Hertfordshire College of Art & Design when it was based in St Albans. Pete then went on to work as a professional model maker in large architecture firms before returning as a technician in 1993, and playing a key role in the move and integration of the college into Hatfield Polytechnic and the University of Hertfordshire.
 
Pete first worked as a Senior, then Principal Technician in the School of Creative Arts,  bringing new technology into the workshops and using his extensive model making skills to help students and staff in developing their craft. He became highly trained in Health and Safety and this latterly became his principal role in the School, although he never stopped offering his help and guidance to students as this was what he loved to do most.
 
In 2017 Pete became the first technician in the UK from the Creative Arts to gain Registered Scientist accreditation with the Science Council, this was in recognition of his outstanding work in Health and Safety. He was acknowledged for his expertise in reducing risk by finding alternative processes that enabled students to produce outstanding outcomes in the safest way possible.
 
Pete was nominated for the VCA awards several times, gaining Highly Commended for ‘Outstanding Service’ in 2014 and in 2013 was the winner of ‘Employee of the Year.’
 
Pete played a particularly active role in the central UH H&S Committee and worked closely with colleagues to share best practice and knowledge, he also was a big part of the UH Technician Commitment working group helping to further develop technical staff careers and opportunities.
 
In the days before Pete suddenly passed away, he was informed that he had been nominated and selected as UH’s nominee for the Times Higher Education Technician of the Year Award 2020. The ceremony takes place later this year and we are pleased to say that Pete remains our deserved nominee.
 
Pete was a well-loved and valued member of the School of Creative Arts community, who was popular with both students and staff. He always had time to spend with students to help them with their projects, and a vast knowledge of techniques and processes, history, Star Wars, Science Fiction, and even Zombie films. His friendly personality, passion for making and creating work, gentle humour and collegiality means that Pete is a colleague who will be sorely missed.