1. Magnus Pyke worked for the UK Ministry of Food, the post-war Allied Commission for Austria, and different food manufacturers.
17 Facts About Magnus Pyke
1. 2.
Magnus Pyke wrote prolifically and became famous as a TV and radio personality, and was featured on Thomas Dolby's 1982 synth-pop hit, "She Blinded Me with Science".
3.
Magnus Pyke worked briefly for an insurance company before moving to Canada to attend Macdonald College, McGill University, Montreal, studying agriculture, gaining a BSc in 1933.
4.
Magnus Pyke returned to the UK and in 1934 became chief chemist at Vitamins Ltd.
5.
In 1941 Magnus Pyke joined Professor Drummond at the Ministry of Food where Drummond was scientific adviser.
6.
Magnus Pyke supported the idea of using rose hip syrup to replace imported orange juice.
7.
Magnus Pyke joined The Distillers Company in 1949 as the deputy manager of the yeast research division at Glenochil Research Station, Clackmannanshire.
8.
Magnus Pyke became a council member of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1968, then secretary, and finally chairman in 1973, a position he held until 1977.
9.
Magnus Pyke claimed that food manufacturers provided a social service and defended them against accusations of providing unhealthy products.
10.
Magnus Pyke wrote dozens of scientific papers and publications on food and nutrition, and their links to technology and social change.
11.
On 10 December 1975, Magnus Pyke was celebrated on This Is Your Life, a Thames Television production for ITV.
12.
Magnus Pyke won the Pye Colour Television Award for most promising male newcomer to television and the Multi-Coloured Swap Shop Star Award for expert of the year.
13.
Magnus Pyke received honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Stirling, Lancaster University, and his alma mater, McGill University.
14.
Magnus Pyke retired from regular broadcasting in 1980, save for occasional TV appearances.
15.
Magnus Pyke nursed his wife at home in Hammersmith until her death in 1986.
16.
Magnus Pyke survived a brutal robbery at his home in 1988 that left him badly injured.
17.
Magnus Pyke died on 19 October 1992 at Elmsbank Nursing Home, Carlton Drive, Wandsworth, London.