Professor Francis Ames-Lewis, a distinguished art historian, served at Birkbeck for 36 years, including three months as Acting Master in 2002, before he retired.

Initially employed as a lecturer in 1969, Professor Ames-Lewis progressed to senior lecturer, reader, professor, and Pevsner Professor in 2002. He served as head of department between 1981-84 and 1995-98, designed and launched the MA History of Art in 1983 and led the department to achieving top marks for teaching quality in 1998.

His other roles included a five-year chairmanship of the Quality Assurance Committee from its inception, a term as Vice-Master, and as Acting Master until the appointment of Professor David Latchman.