Memories

From plasticine inventor Walter Sickert to children’s favourite Axel Scheffler, the Bath School of Art and Design has a reputation for excellence. But it’s also a place that holds many fond memories for the hoards of creatives who have passed through its doors over the past 160 years. As Bath Spa prepares to publish a book chronicling the development of this influential school, we’ve been thrilled to hear some of your memories of time spent there. Here is a short selection:

Corsham was the most formative and illuminating period of my early life; it was like I came alive there. I loved the warmth of everyone, the beauty of Corsham Court, sitting on the stairs there waiting for dinner, the peacocks, the music room, our rooms over the doctor’s surgery , Liam’s pet pheasant in the kitchen – all a seminal experience. Alan Humphries (Fine Art, 1971)

I will always remember the beautiful surroundings of the ‘old buildings’ and squirrels scurrying up into the trees as you made your way along the driveway into the main building. I remember Simon, our Textiles technician, showing me how to use a sewing machine for the first time. He made me realise we’re all learning new things every day. Laura McCauley (Art and Textile Design Studies, 2003)

The college always had very high standards about using direct observation. For a lesson I was giving on teaching practise, I managed to borrow a smallish suit of armour which I had to manhandle onto two public buses. The lesson was on printing and I stuck the armour in a corner before the children came in. Things went badly and there was a lot of chaos. It was only after the class had gone that I realised I had never mentioned the armour – and neither had they! Edward Coney (Fine Art, 1966)

There were parties and drinks at The Duke (that smoke-stained den that smelt of sour scrumpy). There was carol singing – the main aim was to do the round of the 13 or so pubs in the immediate area of Corsham, one where we had a welcome from Sir Michael Tippet the composer! Roger Shapley (Fine Art, 1963)

Two of the best and most exciting years of my life were my two years at Corsham. My eyes were opened. I discussed lobsters and birds nests. I looked after and studied geese and crabs – I was The Goose Girl! We explored the countryside and Bath with Stephen Russ, tied and dyed with Isolbelle Symmons, made puppets with Helen Binyon… It all ended too soon. Julia Vezza (Art and Education Studies, 1960)