A life well-lived and a legacy to cherish: that's the story of Barbara Hurman, who passed away at the remarkable age of 100. But it's not just her longevity that makes her story so captivating; it's the rich tapestry of experiences and contributions she wove throughout her life.
Barbara was an archaeologist with a unique specialization: the identification and illustration of archaeological finds. These are the treasures unearthed during excavations, and Barbara's expertise brought them to life. She worked with various institutions, including the Bucks Museum, the Milton Keynes Archaeological Unit, and the Museum of London, contributing her skills to numerous sites. One of her most notable projects was the Roman site at Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, where she served as the finds supervisor and ceramic analyst for four summer seasons in her late 70s.
But Barbara's contributions extended beyond the field. She was an editor and writer, working with the Association of Archaeological Illustrators and Surveyors, which she helped establish, and co-authoring the book "Pots, Potters and Potteries of Buckinghamshire" with Michael Farley. Her passion for archaeology and her expertise in illustrating ceramic forms were instrumental in shaping the field.
Born in Thornton Heath, south London, Barbara was a twin, the daughter of Charles Sanders, an engineering clerk, and Jeanie Coleman, a housewife. The family's move to the coastal village of Silecroft in Cumbria marked a significant chapter in her early life. At 16, she left Millom School and attended secretarial college, but her path soon took a different turn with her enlistment in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during World War II. She served as a teleprinter operator, stationed at Fort Widley in Portsmouth during the D-Day operations, and later in Italy. Her dedication and skill saw her rise to the rank of sergeant before being demobbed in 1947.
After the war, Barbara's journey led her to Egypt, where she worked as a secretary for the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes. It was here that she met Gordon Hurman, her future husband, and it was also here that her fascination with the ancient world took root.
In 1970, the family returned to the UK, and it was only then, after raising her family, that Barbara could fully pursue her passion for archaeology. She threw herself into volunteering on excavations, followed by an intensive period of study at the universities of London, Oxford, and Keele. Her dedication and expertise were recognized by the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society and the local Bucks Museum, where she invigilated, worked on digs, organized volunteers, taught evening classes, and gave talks to local societies.
But Barbara's impact wasn't limited to the archaeological realm. In her 90s, she became an advocate for the role of servicewomen during World War II, raising awareness through interviews with news outlets and a formal reading at Westminster Abbey in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day. Her efforts led to a memorable meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, her ATS contemporary, when she helped launch the "Together at Christmas" initiative.
Barbara's life was a testament to the power of passion and dedication. She is survived by her three children, David, Susan, and the writer of this obituary, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on, not just in the archaeological finds she brought to life, but in the inspiration she leaves for future generations.
