David Christopher Price (College staff, 1962-1990)

The following has been written by David’s colleague Barry Wild (College staff, 1982-2010).

David came to Cheltenham College in 1962 after teaching at Bristol Grammar School, having read chemistry at Imperial College, London. He proved himself to be a chemist and teacher of high calibre and, as Head of the Chemistry Department, did much to build up the subject in College. His particular strengths lay in Oxbridge teaching, practical chemistry and the preparation of teaching materials. 

When I followed him as Head of Chemistry in 1982, I was astounded at the range of chemicals, some very unusual, that he had collected over the years. He had also developed some very spectacular demonstration experiments which are still performed by today’s department. One of these was a low-temperature lecture in which rubber objects were placed in liquid nitrogen, rendering them rock hard. In the old lecture room in the Quad area, David froze a tennis ball but instead of smashing it to pieces on the floor he suddenly decided to throw it against the blackboard. He didn’t realise that the blackboard was made of glass and the result was mayhem! Apart from that, all the Chemistry staff learned a huge amount from him.

In the early 1980s his teaching interests became equally divided between chemistry and computing, and he was one of the pioneers of the use of computers in chemistry teaching. His thorough and precise mind was ideally suited to this developing field.

His other major role was master in charge of O-Level and GCSE; legend has it that he never made a mistake in the thousands of exam entries he made and the exam sessions he organised.

A man of wide intellectual interests, he was an outstanding Upper College tutor. His tutees benefited from his real concern and the excellent advice he always gave. 

After retirement, David kept himself very active by walking and cycling around the Cotswolds. I remember meeting him one summer’s day, walking on Cleeve Hill and instantly recognisable in his characteristic jacket and tie! 

David leaves his wife, Jill, and two daughters, Susie and Sarah. Meeting his extended family at his funeral it was very evident that the chemistry gene ran throughout his relatives.