Henry was my Beatle buddy. He always stopped to share a Beatle moment with me. Whether it was something fun he loved about The Beatles, funny things they said, or to give me a Beatle tie or book. Beatle Henry was great fun.
Professor Beatle, Lauren Passarelli
Guitar Department
*
It is with great sadness that I respond to you regarding the note about Henry. My soul is heavy and I have no words. I have only beautiful images and stories, kindnesses and conversations. He changed us, and always for the better. He was a painter of souls. Thank you for sharing your words, and Henry’s, with us, in an effort to console.
I can’t wrap my soul around this. This is an incredible loss to many of us and to the arts community. There are no words.
Peggy Codding
*Henry Tate was a wonderful teacher and human being.
I learned so much from him. I was so glad to see him when I returned to school to teach, and doubly glad to share with him what an impact he had on me.
He will be missed!
Rene Pfister
*
This is indeed sad news. Henry was very kind to me when I started at Berklee in 2005 and continued to be supportive and friendly through the years. I will miss him.
Ben Thomas
*
I’m so sorry to hear this news, Simone. I’m shocked and saddened. I was just thinking yesterday that I should reach out to Henry to say hello and return some cds he lent to me.
It’s hard to believe he’s gone. I was just telling a friend who is preparing to teach her first law class about how a colleague made me feel so much better on my first day of teaching. I told her how Henry saw me in the hallway just before teaching my very first class and noticed that I was nervous. He leaned in, patted my arm, and whispered, “Remember: you know more than they do!” It made me laugh and took a weight off my shoulders. These words, and the twinkle in his eye, stick with me whenever I feel uneasy in the classroom. Luckily my uneasiness is a feeling that has lessened over the years thanks to the support and encouragement of colleagues like Henry. He really made an impact on me.
Beth Platow
*
Je suis si désolée d’apprendre la triste nouvelle du décès de Henry. C’était une telle présence dans le département avec sa gentillesse, son raffinement, sa modestie et beaucoup d’humour. Il va bien nous manquer.
Anne Squire
*
So sad. What a great guy. He used to have parties for our department in his place on Hemenway. I’m sure many, many students, past and present, will mourn the loss.
Patricia Peknik
*
It is a sad day
Henry was a wonderful
Speaker and teacher
He always said art objects are directed at their audiences
I never forgot that
I did not know him well but his thoughts and ideas resonated strongly in my heart and mind
We need more caring humane folks like Henry in the world
His legacy will be his great ability to communicate with his audience in kind simple yet profound ways
Wayne Ward
*
I feel extreme sadness hearing of Henry’s passing. I will always remember a splendid Christmas party at his home–so filled with fine art. And I recall how especially kind he was to Faye and her losses. Henry and I always appreciated each other’s vests! And art. And art! What a delightful and gracious gentleman and fellow colleague. I feel a great loss.
Love, Wayne Wild
*
So, so sad. He was a true gem, and one of the first at Berklee to take me in, guide me, advise me and push me. Such a kind, wise man.
Jennifer Andrews
*
My heart is heavy, yet I know Henry’s spirit will stay with us in so many ways.
Peter Gardner
From a letter by Jay Kennedy, Vice Provost, announcing Henry’s passing to the Berklee community. The remembrances that follow are blog posts in response to this announcement.
Dear Berklee community,
Henry was a Berklee legend, a great teacher, and an inspiration to many students particularly around the subject of art. He began teaching at Berklee in 1985 and retired last year. Simone Pilon, chair of the Liberal Arts Department, writes, “He was an exceptional teacher, a compelling storyteller, and one of the kindest, gentlest people I have had the pleasure to know. He touched countless students and colleagues during his time at Berklee. He will be greatly missed.”
Henry’s website contains the following quote: “My job, I tell my students, is to be their guide, to help them articulate what they already know. For me, that’s what the process of education is—it’s the act of leading out. So I tell my students to think about a symphony. There is going to be an introduction, or an ‘entry’ in painterly terms. The leitmotif in a musical composition is a ‘directional’ in a painting. And then we have major movements, which carry the viewer’s eye around the composition and lead us to a finale, which we call an ‘exit.’ When showing my students the importance of color and why we have to be careful about color, I’ll say, for example, ‘Red is almost a D major. You put that in the wrong place, and your composition will fall apart.’
“Since I’m also a painter, I’ll say to the students, the only difference between what you do when you’re composing a tune and what I do when I’m creating a painting is the tools that we use. We come from the same creative background. Whether someone is writing a poem or composing the symphony or painting a fresco or sculpting a work of art, the difference is the tools that we use. And then I quote Robert Frost, who tells us, ‘It’s knowing what to do with things that counts.’”
Henry earned a bachelor of arts degree from Villanova University, a second bachelor of arts from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master of arts degree and Ph.D. from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. He held curatorial positions in the education departments of the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Arts, the Worcester Art Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Additionally, he was an educational consultant and lecturer at Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, and the James Joyce Society in New York and Dublin.
Regards,
Jay Kennedy
*This is indeed very sad news….. a great loss for our community, faculty and students alike…..
Such a fine person, exceptional I should say…..
I really appreciated Henry Tate so much.
Sincerely,
Mili Bermejo *I am deeply saddened to learn of Henry’s passing. Tears flow as I write this email.
Henry was more than my teacher, he became a dear friend and truly a part of my family.
From my time at Berklee, after graduation more than 20 years ago, and during the years beyond, Henry and I remained in contact and met whenever I was back in Boston. He also regularly corresponded with my parents whom he’d met many years ago.
Henry was such a special soul. He was a life guide to me. His friendship and encouragement, I directly attribute to so much of my own life’s work…from my appreciation of art, to my music career, work in the music industry, to my time on the Berklee Board of Trustees, to my current role teaching for Berklee online, and most importantly for my excitement and love of the beauty in the world and for kindness. All of that, is in a great part, due to Henry.
I am saddened that during my most recent trip to Boston this summer, I was unable to make contact with him.
Neil Diercks
*Henry was a great colleague and an inspiration to me. His enthusiasm for teaching was infectious and he inspired me years ago to look at my own teaching differently and each conversation with him was a fountain of great information.
I always valued the privilege of speaking with him about art and music, and with just his sweet “good morning,” he made me feel so grateful and proud to be teaching at our institution.
Really a wonderful man.
Victor Mendoza
*I always felt like Henry was Berklee’s Santa. Such a positive man who has changed the way I see art and my out look on life. Last time I saw him was at the end of winter semester when he was retiring which also saddened me. The most interesting thing I remember from him is that the Irish color is not green. It’s really a royal blue. Never forgot that fact since we still do St. Patricks Day wrong.
Nikki DePasquale
*I’m incredibly shocked and saddened to learn of Henry Tate’s passing. There were only truly a handful of teachers at Berklee who left a lasting impression on me and how I view art of all mediums–Henry was one of them. I’ll always remember he and I discussing James Joyce, Igor Stravinsky, Pablo Picasso and countless other artists with his thick Irish accent and coffee breath to rival my own.
Shaun Beacham
*No matter how much you were focused on your music classes, rehearsing, chasing gigs, etc., Henry’s was the liberal arts class you simply had to take to get the full Berklee experience. A walk through a section of the MFA with him was almost overwhelming — the man was an encyclopedia of wisdom and knowledge and he could wax poetically for ages about any painting you asked about.
No matter what his age, Henry Tate was an old soul who seemed like he’d led a hundred lives. He had a bottomless well of great stories to tell, and you couldn’t help but be drawn into his kind eyes when he spoke to you with that amazing Irish/Welsh voice. The ultimate professor and friend, and almost certainly the ultimate dinner party guest. I’ll raise tonight’s glass of Jameson’s to you Henry!
Ryan Fleming
*Henry’s BTOT lectures were unforgettable experiences. His warmth and theatric delivery filled the room. He had an unrivaled command of language and ability to explain everything in broad historic & cultural contexts. I always meant to audit one of his classes but regrettably, I waited too long.
Dave Hollender
*One day in Henry Tates’ History of Art class, which met at the Boston Museum of Fine Art, he pointed at a painting of a ravine by Claude Monet and said “Debussy” and then gestured at another painting of a ravine by Vincent Van Gogh and growled “Strrrrraaavvinsky!” In a single lightning bolt moment he helped me understand the difference between impressionism and expressionism using language I could comprehend.
I was not a classically trained musician but his History of Art class taught me and a sometimes unwilling student body of people who’d rather be listening to music than looking at art, that an understanding of art, including music, was a passport to understanding any other kind of art.
R.I.P. Henry. I don’t know where a “born-again druid” goes in the afterlife but I hope for your sake they have Guinness (and plenty of it).
Justin Dohrmann
*My heart is broken over the loss of a favorite friend and colleague, Berklee College of Music Professor, Henry Tate. When I first started at Berklee, Henry was the keynote speaker at Berklee’s Opening Day. I thought right then, that this man exudes warmth, eloquence, class and brilliance. Three years later, I would become Henry’s colleague when I transferred to the Liberal Arts department. There, Henry and I instantly became friends. He shared his gifts as an educator, advisor, mentor, artist and genuine friendship with all that knew him. Henry was a giver. His generosity was ever so humbling. I have so many wonderful memories of my friend, which I want to share: One day I walked into my office in the Liberal Arts department to find Henry hanging a beautiful painting on my wall. He had just returned from his sabbatical and spent time in Spain. He thought of me, and brought back the painting for me. He made me promise that no matter where I go, to always take the painting with me. Which I did. After transitioning to the Music Production and Engineering department, Henry called me and said that he was stopping by to hang the painting in my office. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones, who was invited to Henry’s home. I fondly remember the cold winter evening, going to Henry’s home, steps away from campus. I walked into his beautiful home, which was filled with opulent artwork, a gazillion books and treasures that he had collected throughout his travels. He gave me a tour and graciously told me stories of some of his art pieces. Henry had prepared a fabulous Irish dinner and dessert! I must say that Henry is the person that introduced me to Irish Whiskey! He served it to me in a gorgeous Waterford crystal goblet, of course! We sat eating this beautiful meal, chatting about art, music, Ireland, our families, his love of his students and Berklee. After 4 hours of what was a treasured evening, In Henry Tate fashion, displaying the true and honorable gentleman that he was, he helped me with my coat, hooked his arm around mine and walked me to the train station. Once again, Henry strolled into my office in his ever so stately manner and saw a large photograph of DJ Henry on my desk. He asked me about DJ. As I told him DJ’s story, he wept. I came back later to find that Henry had taken DJ’s picture to his house and framed it and left it on my desk. I could not wait to tell Henry that there was a portrait of members of my family on display at the Museum of Fine Arts. Henry had worked there for many years, before coming to Berklee. Once again, a beautiful surprise by Henry. He had purchased the print at the museum, framed it and left it on my desk. He offered to host my family at the Museum at the showing of our family photo and give my family a private tour of the museum. He could not wait to meet my cousin Latrice Olbina, who is our family historian and the person who has traced our roots-Some back to Ireland. So Henry and I had something in common from day one! My love and respect for Professor Henry Tate will forever live on in my heart. It was an honor and a privilege to know him and for him to consider me a close friend. He was a man who gave of himself, unselfishly-always. I send my sincere and heart-felt condolences to Henry’s family, friends and colleagues. Thank you for always thinking of me, Henry. I miss you, my friend…..
Barbara Thomas
*When I see a Madonna and child from the European Medieval to Renaissance periods I not only see a glimpse into the artist’s culture, I sigh. And think of one of the best teachers ever. We love you, Henry Tate. Thank you for the magic.
Paula Cole
*I’m staggered by the news of Henry Tate’s passing and heartbroken to hear that he was apparently alone at the time of his passing. The Henry Tate I remember was so inspirational, so vibrant, so fully alive. I, like many others, count him among my favorite professors–it’s clear by the outpouring I’ve seen here, on social media, on the sidewalk/hallways/buildings that comprise Berklee’s campus that he was beloved and treasured. He will be sorely missed.
Pedro Verdugo
*It cannot be understated how much of an inspiration Henry Tate was to me and my life. I never truly understood the power and significance of art and it’s place historically until taking his Art History course and every other one he offered. After noticing my celtic tattoo, he referred to me as “Sean” – an Irish version of my birth name, John. He took the time to research and give me tips and notes for traveling to Italy and France after graduation. My fondest memory will always be a Valentine’s Day tour at the MFA where he took a group, including myself and my girlfriend, around the museum to expound about romantic art and poetry. At one point, he read a set of celtic wedding vows that he personally handed to us at the end of the day. After becoming engaged a few years later, my wife and I spoke those same vows to each other during the ceremony on our wedding day. He will forever be a remembered not only for that special day, but for his kind heart, his gift to teach – spreading both knowledge and joy – and for being truly great man. You will be missed, my friend.
Jack Goodall
*This is awful news. I took a class with Henry at Berklee and he was an absolute legend. Hugely entertaining, often profane (I’ll never forget his explanation of the maypole) and a lover of all things Irish. I last bumped into him at a departure gate in Logan Airport, and always regretted not keeping in touch. Rest In Peace Henry Tate.
Morgan Pearse
*An incredible human being. I’m glad I was able to know him for a short but impactful time. Thank you Henry.
Lorenzo Castelli
*I’m very sad about this news. 20 years later and I still remember most of what I learned from Henry. His lectures on form and flow forever changed the way I viewed and understood painting. RIP Henry. You were one a of a kind.
Charles Pukmel
*I remember walking around the MFA for class with Henry and he would put his arm around myself and another student and tell us stories about the artists rather than lecture. He would connect the art and music world and I have since considered him one of the best teachers I have ever met. I value so much of how he taught that I modeled some of my own teaching style from his. I am so grateful for him as a person and will always remember him with a smile and a desire to be half the teacher he was. This post comes with a smile for his memory and tears for everyone’s loss. For those that were closest to him, you are in my heart. <3 Lisa Orchard Conant Berklee Alumnus 2001
*Henry was perhaps the most influential teacher I have ever had in my life thus far, and he has always been my number one role model.
I have taken a few of his Art History courses while in college, and they were my absolute favorite courses of all time, though I went to a music college. He always explained to us the origins of the words used in class or in his talks. One particular example we all remember him saying is the meaning of the word “educate” as the act of leading out. I always carry around that explanation in my head as I go into the educational field myself.
I can still recall Henry standing in front of paintings at the MFA saying, “follow the Red!” – showing us how our eyes move through a painting. I also vividly remember his passionate talks about Sargent’s paintings at the Gardner museum, which eventually led me to become their first Japanese museum volunteer/guide ever.
Henry showed us to appreciate the art deeper, to look beyond the labels and canvases – which was at the beginning such an eye-opening experience. His approach/method has slowly transformed my learning habits.
Henry was a true Renaissance man, with such talent and passion for his chosen field. He also had a kindest soul. He was always advising students to eat more vegetables and less junk food, calling himself “Uncle Henry” in class as if he is a family member of ours. Whenever I ran into him on the street, he always gave a warmest hug with a big smile while asking about my day.
Thank you professor Henry Tate, for leading/guiding me over the years – I am and will always be grateful. He has touched/inspired so many people in his lifetime. May your body and soul rest in peace.
*He was such a sweet guy. While taking his art history class, I told him that I really liked the idea of having a specific Monet painting in my studio. He went to the MFA and bought that print for me, along with another one that he picked to pair with it for me to hang in my studio. He refused payment for them just telling me that he hoped it would help my creativity flow in the studio.
I really wish I had some recordings of him. The way he spoke was just incredible.
Jon Peros
*I’m so saddened by the news! By far the greatest teacher I ever had. Thank you Henry.
Pablo Solorzano
*Henry Tate will forever be the professor, mentor and friend whom I remember not just with the utmost fondness, but also with a respect that only someone so truly dedicated, and so truly inspirational could ever demand.
The way he shared his passion for both art and music, his cultural knowledge and even simply his genuine concern and advocacy for the wellbeing of his students was something that I, and my peers who have been so upset by this news, will always treasure and remember.
He was a rare gem. To have been one of many students of his will forever have a positive and lasting impact on my life. Thank you, Henry Tate.
Matt H
*A sad day indeed but one that brings up great memories of inspiration, wisdom, creativity, history, dedication, vision and so much more. Thank you dear Henry I will always remember you as one of my greatest teachers.
Nimrod Elissar
*Best kept secret of Berklee. No doubt. Still surprised at what I learned from Henry. I wasn’t interested at all in fine art until Henry. After Henry, I can spend an hour with a painting, and still not be done.
What a loss.
“Until next time, friends.”
Jett Whitworth
*I didn’t know Henry Tate well, but he was and is
always lauded with warmth and praise by so many
if my students and colleagues who had the good fortune
to learn from him. His sparkle , warmth, heart and sincerity were apparent in his presence and passion for sharing heart. The world is a far better place for his life, good deeds, talent and optimism.
Lisa Thorson
*All I can say is thank you Dr. Henry Tate. You will be missed. History of Art became one of my favorite classes even though I was initially sad that I had to take the class when my credits wouldn’t transfer. Dr. Tate opened my eyes to new way of thinking about history, art, and the world around me. I realized there is no need to take life so seriously. True art is a way to express yourself; conforming to the “rules of art” is not what makes a painting, song great but when you find a way within those confines to still express an idea. The greatest paintings always had a hidden gem an idea you didn’t notice at first. Thanks for teaching this to us. You will be greatly missed.
Theresa Tscheschke Gunal
*
Professor Tate always seemed to me to be like a character from jumped out of a movie. He fit the part so perfectly and it always made me feel excited to take his class. He showed me a personal item he owned, a page from Gutenberg’s printing press, when I mentioned my love of history. It was no big deal for him to say, do you have a minute? I have something I think you’d love to see…
What a great guy.
Chris Mosera
*Professor Tate may well have made me the composer I am more so than any music teacher ever did. There are too many memories of his lectures to count. Jameson’s to you, old soul.
Sarah Gromko
*Quite a few years back I was advising a student through his last semester and he was enrolled in one Henry’s classes (likely History of Art 2, at the time). The student revealed to Henry that he was having trouble getting a reservation for a post- graduation ceremony brunch for his family from Wisconsin. Henry said not too worry and why didn’t the student just bring his family and any other Berklee folks over to his (Henry’s) apartment on The Fenway for brunch that day. So, the student invited my wife and I and we expected to have some pastries and coffee at Henry’s after the ceremony was finished.
When we got there he had transformed his dining room into a buffet with all sorts of foods, coffee, wine and desserts. Henry was in an apron moving about while he he entertained the student’s family with details about all the art hanging in his place (including some of his own). There were faculty members who had worked with the student there, as well, and Henry was the utmost in graciousness all afternoon making sure everyone was comfortable, fed and enjoying themselves. It was an absolutely lovely afternoon and I realized that day that Henry was one of those great teachers whose lessons don’t end at the ten-minute before the hour mark. His teaching was not just about art but about the spirit and humanity that inspires art.
I will miss our ‘street talks’ and our affinity for all things Irish.
Peace Henry – safe travels
Bob Mulvey
*I did not attend Berklee nor have I ever taken a class with this incredible man. As a staff member, and new to my training role, Henry Tate was one of my first “students” in an Introduction to the Mac training session that I led. He seemed embarrassed and was apologetic about knowing so little about technology. We sat together for several hours, spanning several sessions, and became friends as a result. But wasn’t that how it was with Henry? He always made you feel like time spent with him was time invested in building a friendship. Over the years, he and I would have many conversations on the street about his life and his work and those conversations always ended with him thanking me for our first meetings with him as my “student”. He was a remarkable man and will be sorely missed. A piece of our institution has crumbled a bit with his passing.
Linda Embardo
*Henry was a dear classmate of mine at Villanova University. A gentle and joyful soul who could always make you laugh either at superiors or himself. I am so sad at his passing. May he rest in peace.
Patrick J Powers
*The news of Henry’s passing saddens me…he was in my Class at Villanova University and before that at the Augustinian Novitiate. We were members of the Order of St. Augustine at one time. Our birthdays were close, so that means for five years…our formative years…we prayed together, ate together, played together and enjoyed many good times together whether studying or vacationing. May he rest in peace…he was a good friend.
Phill Colombo
*Henry was not only my cousin, but my friend. I just wanted to thank all of you for sharing your memories. What a wonderful tribute to a truly amazing man. Thank you.
Chris Gausch
*Henry’s visits to our home, and our visits to his home, were always unique occasions and experiences!
What a joy it was to hear Henry’s deep voice say ‘Re-Joyce’ when we phoned him.
Liisa and I miss our dear friend. RIP Henry.
Tom and Liisa McGah
*I just received the sad news…
I have lost the best friend among my non-guitar dept. colleagues that I have ever had.
I hope that there is lots of Jameson’s where you are, dear friend…
Save me some, and say hello to Blossom Dearie when you see her.
Slainte.
G. Andrew Maness
*So sad to hear his passing. I was in his History of Art classes in the early 90’s.
Terry Closen
*I haven’t seen Henry Tate since I graduated 14 years ago. Yet I remember him like it was yesterday and feel like a part of me just died as well. It’s that part of you that can be forged only by a man like Henry. It’s a gift you feel lucky enough to have received once, because it seems impossible to ever come across it again. Thank you, Henry.
Jason LaChapelle
*We have lost a truly beautiful and gentle soul. My time at Berklee and since has been so enriched by the perspectives Henry helped me discover for myself. Peace.
Warren A. Weberg
*I am heartbroken to hear of the passing one of the most amazing, down-to-earth teachers and human being I have ever had the pleasure of learning and being inspired from. RIP to one the most influential teachers I have ever encountered in my life, the great Mr. Henry Tate. Henry was the old assistant curator at the MFA, and is the reason why Berklee Students get free admission to the museum. He was so passionate and got me excited to learn about the History or Art, from Picasso to American Visual Art. Your passion for life and peace will live on and has touched many students that had the privilege to cross your path.
Jack Sheehan
*I learned of Henry’s death only today. I met him as a freshman in high school in 1956. He was then and as I gather from the comments above, remained until his death a kind, gentle caring man. He once told me that he believed the only real sin was meanness. If that is true, Henry was without sin. The world is a lonelier place without him.
Al Eichenlaub
*Henry Augustine Tate is my cousin. As a student studying at Trinity College in Dublin he made frequent visits to his Donegal family. He was inspirIng, as a child he was my hero for many years we lost contact. Then via the Internet we were connected and corresponded frequently via email. My family and I are saddened by this news. We were hoping to meet up soon.
May he Rest in Peace.
Condolences to his brothers And sisters.
From Catherine and Storey family
*I remember Dr. Tate for multiple positive reasons.
The overarching memory is that he had the quality of a living saint – you were a better person for simply having known him.
Rob Bazzett
*As someone else said above, he one of Berklee’s best-kept-[but not so-]secrets. His warmth, exuberance, honesty, and genuine attitude was one of my best inspirations from Berklee.
Follow the red, Henry.
Andy Martin
*Renoir’s Dance at Bougival hangs in my daughter’s room today because of Henry Tate. I cannot think of anything better to say.
Neel Blair
*He was a remarkable and memorable educator! He started teaching at Berklee the same year I entered as a freshman. I still remember much of what he taught (especially the Byzentine art and Renior). I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I’ll never forget him.
Lance McCollum
Alumni Tributes to Henry Tate Gosh, I loved taking Art History with Henry Tate. I’m so saddened to learn about his passing. I had friends who would come and observe his classes even though they weren’t enrolled — that’s how much people loved to hear him talk. I remember him teaching us about how all the classical paintings have journeys within them, how they have an entry point (usually something red) that leads you on a path through to the climax of the composition and then to an exit out of the frame. He showed us that paintings have a beginning and a middle and and end, and I still look at art with the tools that he showed us. He was so passionate about Art History, and that always make for a good teacher. Some of the pieces he lectured on are still with me: The Ecstasy of St. Theresa by Bernini, The Slave Ship by J.M.W. Turner. He was brilliant, funny, insightful, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge. I remember he once went on for about 15 minutes talking about the etymology of the name John and how it’s related to the names Sean, Joan, Evan, etc — he did it all by memory and we were floored. I miss his lectures, his articulate and soft/gentle speaking voice, his museum field trips, his spirit, and his love for sharing what he thought was beautiful about art. I don’t know what other Art History teachers are like out there in the world, but I feel like I had the best one that there ever was.
Rest In Peace, Dr. Tate — we’ll miss you.
Alex Lacamoire
*I am certain that many remembrances of Henry Tate will rightly relate his passion for teaching, and how he was so influential a soul to so many others. I write today to share a story that also tells of Henry’s caring and morality.
One of Henry’s classes that I took was during the winter semester of 1991. The combat phase of the First Gulf War was just underway as the semester started. This war was tremendously unpopular with most of Berklee’s student body, but that unpopularity was trumped by Henry’s outrage regarding the war. Henry passionately expressed to our class, in no uncertain terms, his feelings about war in general, and his ire over the reasons the US government had given for entering this war. Henry paused during his discourse, looked around the class, and remarked that many of the male students were of draft age. At the time, there had been some public discussion about reinstituting the military draft in the United States, and Henry fervently implored us to avoid being drafted. I’ll never forget his words: “Don’t let them take you! You call Uncle Hank, and I’ll hide you!”
I definitely owe my appreciation for visual arts to Henry Tate, after having been wrapped up in his tours of the MFA, and after experiencing lectures featuring carousels of Henry’s amazing slides. More importantly, however, and through direct example, I learned the life lesson of earnest compassion for others from Henry Tate. I feel sincerely honored to have been a student of Henry Tate’s, and genuinely privileged to have learned lessons of such great import from him.
Craig Chamberlain
Class of 1991
*Henry was hands down my favorite teacher at Berklee, and I truly looked forward to his classes more than any. His zeal and sense of joy were infectious. He inspired so many of us to really see the humanity in the Humanities. I am so saddened to hear of his passing, and perhaps even more saddened to realize that future students will never get to experience and share his love of–and deep insights into–the arts. I hope that I, and others who learned from him, can carry on his legacy by being passionate creators and thinkers ourselves.
RIP Professor Tate. You will be greatly missed.
I hope they have plenty of Jameson and Mahler in the hereafter.
Samantha Gillogly
*Wow… What a shock. Incredibly sad news.
When I think of some of my most influential and greatest teachers in my life, Henry Tate is right up there with Mark Kohler and Kenwood Dennard. He gave to me what I know he gives a lot of his students, a feeling of academic excitement. As you know, I’m not the only Berklee student that struggled with and had been turned off to liberal arts and academics in general. Henry, with incredible ease and poise, woke up every student who entered his classroom or who stopped by his office, and showed them the power of academia. Not in the way that a preacher might inspire a congregation, rather he had this ability to let us each of us find our own inspiration and excitement in the context of his offerings.
Henry’s presence could be felt way beyond the classroom. Whether it was passing him on Mass Ave, or the inability to stop thinking or laughing about something he said in class or at the museum the day before, I rarely went a day at Berklee without feeling his influence.
The world has lost one of the greatest educators I have ever known, and as devastating as that is, I can’t help but feel so grateful for the time I got to know him and learn from him. I will miss him.
Noah Appel
*One cannot mention the name “Henry Tate” and not get a profound reaction from anyone who knew him. Comment after comment on the alumni Facebook page show how much this man was loved and respected. He showed us why we should be moved by Art and why Art is so important in our lives. By explaining paintings so lovingly, he connected us to the artist’s language, his or her intent; by doing so, he opened our hearts to a whole new world. Thank you Henry.
