John Gozzard, a British inventor and engineer, was passionate about sound engineering. His most notable invention, a zeppelin-shaped windshield for microphones, revolutionized outdoor recording and is widely used in television and film today. His legacy continues to inspire and advance the field of acoustics at Southampton’s Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR).
The ISVR, renowned for its pioneering work in reducing noise and vibration in engineering applications and its fundamental research on human auditory perception, has greatly benefited from this donation. Dr. Stefan Bleeck, Head of the ISVR, expressed his gratitude: “This generous donation has provided our students and researchers with state-of-the-art facilities, significantly enhancing their educational experience. John Gozzard’s spirit and ethos live on through his legacy at the ISVR.”
The upgraded anechoic chamber, located at the heart of Highfield Campus, now offers a superior sound-free environment, enabling world-leading experiments in one of the quietest places in the UK. This facility benefits students, researchers, and industrial partners alike, and is also open to the public for educational visits.
Additionally, the donation has funded the remodeling of the Institute’s teaching laboratories, equipped with cutting-edge computer workstations accessible to students at all times. Plans are also underway to create a large auralisation facility for simulating soundscapes and a new social space.
Richard Bryant, Executor of John Gozzard’s estate, remarked, “John was a remarkable man with a true passion for sound engineering. Supporting the ISVR and its students through his legacy is a fitting tribute to his life and work.”
The University of Southampton is deeply grateful for this donation, which has had a profound and lasting impact on its acoustics programs, honoring John Gozzard’s legacy in a meaningful way.