13 Facts About Paul Oliver

Paul Hereford Oliver MBE was an English architectural historian and writer on the blues and other forms of African-American music.

Paul Oliver was equally distinguished in both fields, although it is likely that aficionados of one of his specialties were not aware of his expertise in the other.

Paul Oliver wrote some of the first scholarly studies of blues music, and his commentary and research have been influential.

Paul Oliver attended Harrow Art School, where he met his wife, Valerie.

Paul Oliver initially trained as a painter and sculptor, but because of allergies to some art materials concentrated on graphic design.

Paul Oliver then taught art in two secondary schools, and was Head of Art at Harrow County School for Boys from 1949 to 1960.

Paul Oliver designed many blues album sleeves in the 1950s, but was usually uncredited.

Paul Oliver started work as an artist at the Architectural Association in 1960, and after a few years began teaching the history of architecture.

Paul Oliver became a researcher at the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development, and from 1978 to 1988 was Associate Head of the School of Architecture.

Paul Oliver was an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Gloucestershire.

Paul Oliver made several trips to the US in the 1960s to interview and record blues musicians, financed by the State Department and the BBC.

Paul Oliver married Valerie Coxon in 1950; she died in 2002.

Paul Oliver died from complications of dementia at a care home in Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, on 15 August 2017.