Role: Head of Art
Dates: 1975-1992
1. Where was your favourite place on campus, and why?
The Common Room, a place of interaction and very friendly.
2. What did you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoyed all aspects of my role as a teacher, being a form master, taking students to London Art galleries and trips to Europe, and meeting the parents. Having close contact with Loughborough College Art was very beneficial, as we were able to house an artist in residence, a fine art graduate, on a number of occasions.
3. Is there a standout memory from your time at the school?
There were a number of outstanding memories, the first being part of the day when the whole school went on trains to London for a service at St Pauls Cathedral, followed by a theatre show. Another stand out memory was the opening of a new spacious Art Department. On a very personal note the award from the Goldsmiths Company to take leave for a term and travel to Egypt, America and Europe to study ancient art processes was so rewarding.
4. Was there a particular class or year group you remember especially fondly?
All the year groups were interesting, but I must admit Sixth Form ‘A’ Level students were really special. The final set of ‘A’ Level artists I taught before I retired were excellent and deservedly gained top grades. It is so nice that after the passing years I am still in contact with a number of them.
5. What is one thing about your role that most people wouldn’t know?
I doubt anyone knew that I once exhibited in London with David Hockney at a Young Contemporaries Exhibition in the Mall Galleries London.
6. What was your favourite school lunch?
Margaret Woods and her team always provided outstanding food and I loved summer salads and on occasion fish and chips.
7. How do you like to spend your time now? What have you been up to since leaving the school?
Since leaving I have been a student for a year at Loughborough University studying print making. I have travelled a good deal, across America and have visited Egypt on many occasions, working in a studio in Luxor with an artist friend, and exploring the sites throughout the country.
I have exhibited paintings and sculpture in group shows, but mainly concern myself now with bi-annual shows in my home studio and raise money for charity.
8. Have you returned to the school or stayed connected since you left?
I have only returned to the school once in all the years and that was for a special reunion of staff who were appointed in 1974/75. On a conducted tour of the school, I was amazed at all the new buildings and how the campus still retained its unique presence.
9. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your time here?
The great flood in the old Art Department. I had set up a still life group for a GCSE examination but overnight a very heavy storm combined with a blocked drain sent a deluge of water into the Department. On arrival in the morning, I was met with a mini lake scene. By some miracle and a lot of generous staff help with blankets and mops, we were able to start the exam two hours later.
