Professor Sir David Weatherall

Professor Sir David Weatherall (1933-2018) Sir David dedicated his career to characterize the molecular basis of some forms of inherited anaemia (thalassaemia). He also undertook research activities in developing countries. His legacy is important, which includes the Institute of Molecular Medicine that he founded in Oxford in 1989. Retired in 2000, he spent most of his time at the Institute, together with regular trips in Sri Lanka supporting people with the disease over there. I had the privilege to take a portrait of him in 2007 at his house. Prior to the shoot, we spent about an hour taking. Probably the most humble person I came across. I recall I asked him to change 3 times his shirt, as the first one was white and would be overexposed with the spotlight. Then he turned up with a black one, which would have been too dark, so I asked him to change it again! He finally came with a light blue one, which did the job.