Whannel, Paddy, 1922-1980

Atholl Douglas (Paddy) Whannel was a film scholar. Born in 1922, Whannel came to teach at Northwestern in 1969 and became an associate professor of film in 1972. Whannel died in England in 1980.

Whannel was born in October, 1922 in Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland, the son of Douglas and Margaret (Sutherland) Whannel. After attending local schools from 1927 through 1937 Whannel worked as a projectionist at Pitlochry's Regal Cinema until 1942.

From 1942 to 1945 Whannel served in the British Royal Navy. In 1946 he took up studies at Alnwick College of Education and received a teaching diploma in 1948. He attended the University of London from 1948 to 1953, earning a diploma in Art History.

Whannel taught history, art, social studies, and mass media at two London area schools from 1948 to 1957. In 1957 he joined the British Film Institute and shortly thereafter was appointed head of its education department. Whannel remained at the BFI until 1971.

Whannel first taught at Northwestern University during the summer session of 1969. In 1971 he returned to the university as a visiting professor of film and in 1972 he became a permanent member of the Northwestern faculty with an appointment as associate professor of film. While at Northwestern Whannel was instrumental in organizing several film study courses and in developing the curriculum of the department of radio, television and film. He chaired the film division of that department in 1975. The university awarded Whannel the rank of full professor in 1977.

Whannel authored numerous articles relating to the study of film and popular culture as well as two books: The Popular Arts (with Stuart Hall, 1964) and The Book of Darts (with Dana Hodgdon, 1976). He lectured extensively throughout Europe and America and held memberships in several professional associations.

Whannel died in London, England on July 8, 1980.

From the guide to the Paddy Whannel (1922-1980) Papers, 1896-1980, (Northwestern University Archives)