Anthony Forge's legacy in Anthropology lives on

Professor Anthony Forge had a profound impact on the development of anthropology at ANU.

Professor Forge, who worked at ANU from 1974 until his death in 1991, was known for establishing strong links with museums and cultural institutions, in Australia and overseas.  He was the foundation Professor of Anthropology in what was then the Department of Prehistory and Anthropology in the School of General Studies, which subsequently became the School of Archaeology and Anthropology.

“While he was at ANU, Professor Forge ensured that the School became the leading teaching department of anthropology in Australia and contributed greatly to the University’s overall strengths in the discipline,” says Professor Howard Morphy, Director of the Research School of Humanities and the Arts.

Professor Morphy was Professor Forge’s first doctoral student at the ANU, and says his own approach to the field has been strongly influenced by Forge.

“ANU, through Anthony and his students has a leading global position in art and material culture,” he says.

The Anthony Forge Memorial Lecture aims to celebrate the achievements and vision of Professor Forge.

Nicholas Thomas, who is Professor of Historical Anthropology and Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge gave this year’s biennial Anthony Forge Memorial Lecture last night: A critique of the natural artefact: anthropology, art and museology. Professor Thomas was the foundation Director of the Centre for Cross-Cultural Research at ANU.

The Anthony Forge Memorial Lecture, which is held every two years, was first held at the Centre for Cross-Cultural Research more than a decade ago.