The Headmaster and Head of Classics pay tribute to Latin and Classics Teacher, Dr Gottfried Mader, who passed away on the 21st June after a recent illness. Friends and colleagues also add tributes
Everyone at Harrodian was extremely sad to hear of the passing of Dr Gottfried Mader on 21st June. Our thoughts are with his wife Chona, friends and family at this difficult time.
Gottfried joined Harrodian during the 2011/2012 academic year as our Acting Head of Classics (Maternity) and taught Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History to Harrodians from Lower Prep to Sixth Form.
Gottfried was a multilinguist – he spoke eight modern languages fluently – but the ancient world and its languages were the focus of his life. A classical scholar of rare distinction, he began his teaching career at university level. Raised and educated to PhD level in South Africa, he worked as a lecturer at universities, including the University of South Africa, Pretoria and at Birkbeck and Royal Holloway Colleges, University of London. His output of academic research was as broad as it was prolific, with well over 50 publications ranging across Classical topics from Hellenistic poetry to Decadence and writers from Demosthenes to Seneca.
Dr Mader taught me Classics for my A Levels and was a brilliant, brilliant teacher who believed in all his students. Even those he didn't teach. I have never forgotten him.
Ines Cross, Harrodian alumna
When he embarked on Secondary teaching, Gottfried’s commitment was just as professional and dependable. His enthusiasm for his subject was infectious and Harrodian pupils of all ages loved his classes and enjoyed his wry sense of humour. A good number were inspired to pursue their interest in classical studies to A and University level. Those who did found him kind, energetic and unfailingly generous with his devotion of time, energy and dedication to their learning as he worked alongside his departmental colleagues to achieve excellent results at GCSE/A Levels.
His enthusiasm for his subject was infectious and Harrodian pupils of all ages loved his classes and enjoyed his wry sense of humour.
James Hooke, Headmaster
Gottfried was also popular among his Harrodian colleagues who enjoyed his loyal, friendly company and colourful stories. He loved the peace and tranquility of our Senior Study room where he would lose himself in literature from the classical world, but also enjoyed Lunch and Break time catch-ups with colleagues and always had a good word for everyone.
Dr Mader was a modest man but one with hidden depths. Thank you to the many parents and pupils (see top quotation) who have written in to say how sad they are to hear the news of his passing. In the autumn, teachers, parents and pupils will have the chance to pay their respects at the memorial event we are currently planning. In the meantime, we have gathered together some tributes to Dr Mader and shared them below.
Remembering Gottfried
Harrodian staff pay personal tributes to Dr Gottfried Mader
Genevieve Seaton, Head of Classics
We were won over by Gottfried from the moment he arrived at Harrodian. I still remember watching his interview lesson—he had this magical ability to captivate and, when he produced a handful of giant golden chocolate coins while retelling an ancient Greek myth in his uniquely engaging way, the students were instantly hooked. From day one, it was clear he had something truly special.
He had this magical ability to captivate, and when he produced a handful of giant golden chocolate coins while retelling an ancient Greek myth in his uniquely engaging way, the students were instantly hooked.
Genevieve Seaton, Head of Classics
Gottfried was an extraordinarily dedicated colleague—dependable, kind and unfailingly good-humoured. There was a quiet mischief to him that never failed to amuse us. He would sit through school meetings with the utmost respect and attention, nodding along dutifully—and then, when he thought no one was watching, he’d deliver a perfectly timed, gently subversive aside that had us in stitches.
His students adored him. His classroom was a place of laughter and learning—peppered with clever acronyms (some too scandalous to repeat here), unforgettable cartoons, and always ending with his trademark PowerPoint slide: the Looney Tunes logo and the words “Porcus says: That’s all folks.” He even created a fictional student named Willard whose antics became legendary among his classes.
Despite his misgivings about online teaching, his presentations were works of art, filled with humour, cartoons and cultural references that made even the most complex material accessible and exciting.
Gottfried was a cornerstone of our Classics department. I will always treasure the conversations we shared about Latin and Greek, about literature, language, and—just as often—about our students. Together with Adam, we formed an exceptional teaching team, inspiring both one another and learners alike.
Gottfried was the most stoic person I have ever known. He never sought the easy way through anything—he faced life with quiet strength, unwavering resolve, and great dignity.
Genevieve Seaton
Gottfried was the most stoic person I have ever known. He never sought the easy way through anything—he faced life with quiet strength, unwavering resolve and great dignity. Despite his long journey into school each day, he was often one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. There will be a great absence in our corridors, in our classrooms, in the library—and in our hearts.
Kash Ashraff, Maths Teacher
Dr Mader – Gottfried – was a dear friend. He was an accomplished academic who was responsible for scores of published articles and papers on classical civilisation. Indeed, he is still read by university undergraduates and considered as the last word on Seneca and a variety of esoteric subjects. I have seen his notes and they fill a storage unit after a lifetime of dedication and deep study. For all his talents and achievements Gottfried was extraordinarily modest. Fluent in eight modern languages, he had also mastered another more universal one - the lingua franca that is music.
Fluent in eight modern languages, he had had also mastered another more universal one - the lingua franca that is music. Remarkably he rarely spoke about his guitar skills to colleagues or students
Kash Ashraff, Maths Teacher
When he wasn’t delving into the distant past he was wedded to his classical guitar. He played to a virtuoso level and practised for hours every single day. Remarkably he rarely spoke about his guitar skills to colleagues or students, yet he was constantly striving to learn more and be the best version of himself. I view his humility and warmth towards his students and colleagues as a testament to a life well lived. We enjoyed coffee together in a small group each break time and he was able to pass his wisdom and joy to us each day. I will miss him very much.
Lili Callon, Senior Librarian
Gottfried once told me his twin passions were Classics and Classical guitar and we bonded over this as my husband also loves Spanish guitar music. On quiet mornings he would play some guitar pieces on the computer so we both could have a good start to the day. His favourite composer was the 18th Century master, Fernando Sor and he would say things like 'today is Sor's birthday, it is going to be a good day'.
Gottfried once told me his twin passions were Classics and Classical guitar...His favourite was the 18th Century composer Fernando Sor and he would say things like 'today is Sor's Birthday, it is going to be a good day'.
Lili Callon, Senior Librarian
He was admired and well loved by his pupils who came to the library in search of him with cards and presents and sometimes their homework. I had pupils coming to ask about him to give their good wishes until the very end.
Dr Mader loved the Library study room and sometimes took some duties upon himself, such as locking the doors, opening the windows when it was hot and ensuring they were closed before he left. He was a reassuring and comforting presence, a very good colleague and a gentleman.
Lili Callon, Senior Librarian
We will be in touch with further news of our plans for a memorial event for Dr Mader in the Autumn Term