Dennis Wardleworth, a polymath who pursued careers in nuclear physics and art history, has died at the age of 85. Born in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, he was a gifted pupil who won a scholarship to Bedford Modern school before studying natural sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge.
After graduating, Mr Wardleworth was headhunted by the Atomic Energy Authority in 1962, beginning a 32-year career in atomic energy. He worked at Dounreay in Scotland, conducting fast reactor physics, and later at the AEA research site at Winfrith in Dorset. He also pioneered computer modelling for the oil industry.
In 1994, Mr Wardleworth left physics to pursue his passion for art, earning a second BA in art history with the Open University and completing a PhD at Southampton Solent. He became an authority on the sculptor William Reid Dick.
Alongside his professional life, Mr Wardleworth was dedicated to social justice through the Labour party. He and his second wife, Mary Rose MacDonald, were instrumental in building the local branch of the Labour party in Blandford Forum, Dorset. He also served as election agent for Jim Knight, helping secure victories in the 2001 and 2005 general elections, and remained treasurer of the North Dorset Labour party until a few months before his death.