- Name:
- David Kimbell
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Looking for John Colbeck
- Dates:
- N/A
- Date:
- 10 May, 2021
Comments
I am trying to make contact with John Colbeck (I'm assuming
he is still alive), with whom I was at school in Canterbury in the
late 50's. Our friendship was for several years a close one. After our
school years we went off in different directions, but were still
regularly in touch during university/college years. Thereafter (I had
gone to Scotland to teach music) we lost touch. I should very much like
to make contact with him before it is too late, and if anyone reading
this was able to give me an address or email address for him I should be
most grateful.
Thank you for any help you can give me.
David Kimbell

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- Name:
- Ant Parker
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Sculpture - Graphics
- Dates:
- 77-81/2
- Date:
- 1 February, 2021
Comments
I was at Corsham 77-81/2 initially in sculpture then transferred to visual communications.
I have been given some photos of all the graphics students and tutors/technicians at that time standing outside Beechfield house.

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click the photo above for
some names identified - email
me names that you can add
14 Sept 2021 Paul
and Sue Ormiston added 37-38 & 55-64
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click this photo for a clearer image
- a few people have moved/vanished from the top photo! |
I thought they were taken by the then secretary to Brian Dunce..
Angela Adams, but I notice she is in the photo so can’t be!
*Claire Palmer has added more names and is pretty sure the photo tech Steve
Woolford took the photo.
Thanks also to Carola Rush for adding and correcting some more
names.
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- Name:
- Richard Lewis
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- 'Mystery involving a sketchbook'
- Dates:
- 65-66
- Date:
- 10 January, 2021
Comments
I am trying to do a bit of research and solve a mystery as to who
they belong to.
When my Nan passed away many
years ago now, there was a house clearance, during that time we came
across this book addressed to my Nan. These pictures were drawn in Aug
1965 - 27th Feb 1966, mainly in the Bath area, not sure where Lindfield
Common is? Drawings of Pete Coleman? Pictures from Sydney Place, Bath.
There are comments on the back of most pictures, Beechfield Corsham?
The front cover of the sketchbook has:-
22nd Aug 1965 - 27th Feb 1966
Ian Warburton
To Mary, from Ian for the New Year
It may not be the Ian Warburton of BAA Corsham, but during this time,
he was a very good artist and most of these drawings are in Bath/Corsham.
My Nan was living in Sompting Lancing in West Sussex. I am not sure he (Ian)
would have any connections there.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
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click
on the sketches |
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for
larger versions |

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- Name:
- Phil Hemmings
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Foundation - Graphics
- Dates:
- 1979-83
- Date:
- 14 July, 2019
Comments
I was a student at BAA from 1979 (Foundation at Monks Park) to 1983. I designed the poster for the 1979 foundation show (I still have a copy) and did all the pre-press work on the 1983 degree magazine for the graphics course.
As a mature student, I was able to form closer relationships with some of the staff, such as
John Vince, Jack Shirreff, Mike Grey, Harry
Cliffe, John Furnival, Graham Day and others.
I have fond memories of my time there, so I'm glad that someone has started
[June 2001 - Gerry] a web page devoted to it.
I still have a portfolio with a 'Keep Bath Academy in
Corsham' sticker on it!
Happy days. Cheers!
Phil Hemmings
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- Name:
- Bryan Maycock
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Painting/Photo/Edu
- Dates:
- 1962-65
- Date:
- 13 July, 2019
Comments
Greetings from Nova Scotia.
I am hoping that somewhere out there, there will be a (some) 1965 grads who will respond.
It’s late May 2019. Almost fifty-four years ago, I and all other would-be graduates of the Bath Academy of Art (Corsham), were preparing for our final exhibitions.
But that was then. Fifty four years, where did the time go?
The opportunity to bridge the years came when I booked a trip to England that included a side trip to Cornwall, a county that I never visited while living in England.
Why this particular side trip?
Eric Berry, the other male member of Rosemary Ellis’s photography group at Corsham (1962-5), and I had reconnected via email and liked the idea of getting together. Unlike me, Eric had stayed close to home so invited me to come for a visit.
Our first task was to complete the ‘where are they now list’ of our Corsham photography group, a discussion that Eric and I had begun but not ratified via email. With a hundred and fifty years of aging, unreliable memory between us (what did we come upstairs to get?), it does seem that the important stuff really does take hold. First, I have to admit that I was wrong about the size of the group. My memory held that, throughout our study, Eric and I were in the company of fourteen young women. As we put together a list of names, it turned out that Eric was correct. There were twelve women. Each group comprised two men and twelve women.
So, who were the twelve that were stuck with Eric and me for three years?
First names came easily, last names not so much. In alphabetical order they are:
Anne (King?), Audrey Redden, Barbara Topping,
Christine Wheeler, Hillary Brown, Jennifer Stevens,
Jill (?), Nicole (Rigden?), Salima
(Faiz) Hashmi, Sandra (?), Simone (?) and
Veronica Trett.
If, when you read this, you know more of the group, I would be pleased to hear from you at
bmaycock@eastlink.ca. Also, if you would like to read a more complete account of the Cornish encounter, go to
https://www.bryanmaycock.com/50-eric--me.html
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- Name:
- Peter Coleman
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Ceramics
- Dates:
- 1975-78
- Date:
- 29 January, 2019
Comments
I'm potting again albeit as a retirement pastime to help with the
beer money.
My website is www.peterlcoleman.com
or the dubious 'going2pot.com'.
Still in regular touch with Wez West who is now retired and a
full on grandfather, his wife Amanda McPhail as was whose now
involved in ceramics. Sasha Wardell who is taking over the
ceramics world and I've just got back in touch with Geoff Pickett
after 40 years. Roy Alexander and Neil Adcock stay in
touch all through social media and this website.
Time Flies.
PS I do wish I could remember the Mr October Calendar episode, it's a
complete blank which is probably best.
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- Name:
- Rosemary Knight
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Painting
- Dates:
- 1960-62
- Date:
- 18 January, 2018
Comments
First of all, a big congratulations and thanks for all the hard work you’ve put into this very impressive site. I came across it only a few days ago and have spent the time since reminiscing. It was so good to see places and faces from my time there. I can’t believe that 55 years have passed since I left after those life changing 2 years.
However, on my second visit, I found a photo of me on
Steve Collingbourne’s entry and, on scrolling down, a description that I found a little upsetting. I think anyone reading it would envisage a lazy, aloof and unpopular person which I don’t think I can pass over even though so many years have passed and it is only an opinion.
I was lazy after the Intermediate exams. I did spend too much time at the pool and I deserved to be sent down. However, I was not given any warning of this at the time as I would have given to my students. There was only a phone call to my father during the summer holidays offering a reference to any school of my choice. I was gutted.
As for cold; I think the description of photos pinned up for selection says a lot about attitudes in those days. I had come from a rather strict background with a female only, very intellectual education since the age of eight. No brothers. So meeting boys who set light to their farts was eye opening! I made friends and was soon giving haircuts to the boys for a pint in the cellar. I don’t remember having turned down any offer that year except one from a well known art critic after the Thursday lecture. We all knew what that meant so I, a virgin, refused. I had occasion to be thankful later when one of my friends found herself pregnant by a visiting tutor and was given the money for an abortion. All are dead now so no names. Added to having come from a more humble social background than many, I think bewilderment and nervousness were my feelings not aloofness.
I wasn’t unpopular with the people who I went around with. I never felt either popular or unpopular. I kept in touch with a few afterwards. I visited afterwards. Then life took over with my new college. I met up with some from Corsham on ATD and they didn’t shun me!
I suppose all of this is written for Steve but I couldn’t find any way of writing to
him. (his address has been sent to you in an
email - Gerry)
I’d like to end on a positive note.
I learned my lesson and worked hard later!
I remember spending a fascinating time with Lord Methuen when I wandered into the orchid house one day. He showed me some beautiful specimens and explained some features.
I lived in the Warden’s House and walked through the avenue to the Court. The green of the new lime tree leaves was breathtaking in springtime.
Breakfast in the amazing dining room. The toast was thick and usually cold which meant that you could put loads of butter on before the marmalade. Delicious. Ive never been able to reproduce it.
The impressive panels in the Chinese room where I had my interview.
The wonderful setting that means I’ve always after chosen country places to live.
I’m now in southern Spain in the mountains in a small village. I’m still working myself and giving voluntary sessions to the local children in the tiny school here. I’m using all my accumulated art materials that won’t be needed.
I’d be happy to get news from contemporaries so my email is available.
Thank you once again
Rosie x
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- Name:
- Angus Davis
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Graphic Design
- Dates:
- 1965-68
- Date:
- 09 September, 2017
Comments
Am still alive and living in New Zealand. It was a significant 3 years.
(Pre-Dip in London).
I do have many memories of 'Dip AD' at Corsham, even one or two photos am happy to share if I can figure my way through this strange machine.
Another Graphics student Steve Lowndes lives not ten miles from here today,
currently he is Acting Chairman of ‘Environment Canterbury’ so don’t think he
has much time to go to his comfortable painting studio (Banks
Peninsula/NZ); his flat mate at Corsham, Derick Sowden still lives near Bristol and visited here some years ago with his Wife.
Ian Lawson still alive in Herefordshire (Aymestrey). William Bradley was in Australia last time I heard, always a total incompetent he gave me an incorrect e-mail address so have lost touch.
I noted the folder from John Furnival containing our ‘concrete poetry’ the cover
was designed & printed by me (I still have it). Will copy images from Concrete Poetry Project in the next few days, I have complete set of
15 plus information sheet - a limited edition of 30 mine is #25. Also worked on the
Jim Dine project but nothing left from that one.
In my trundling around the planet at odd times bumped into ex
Corshamites. If someone gets in touch would be happy to contribute some memories, I have plenty of yarns.
Already heard back from Gordon Thompson, not bad after 50 years!
Rosemary Ellis was a beast but my partner Victoria & I visited them in Urchfont
several times on trips from the USA, after she & Clifford retired, we mended
the bridges.
When I left I went to collect my deposit, the Warden at Beechfield, John Vince
had levied a five shilling fine, for my having 'broken curfew. We were allowed 2 weekends per term out, and had class half day on Saturday,
until it was discovered that a 5½ day week was not allowed.
This photo taken by our group photo instructor from Switzerland, Marlen
Gruber.
click for enlargements

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Car park at the back of Beechfield House left to right; half a face on side
Debbie (?); Jenny
Gunn, William Bradley,
Chris Dunn, Toby
Birch, Gregg Hull,
Angus Davis - myself in the driving seat 1932 'Austin 7’ - all Graphic Design
Students 1965-68
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Lower figure is Steve Lowndes
(Graphics 1964-68) the other fellow was Mike ?.
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Paul Ansell (Aggie) from the same group
(Graphics).
I heard from Jenny Gunn that he died just this last Easter. |
This student was his girlfriend at the time, cannot remember
her name. Photo taken with Wells Cathedral for backdrop. |

Steve had a pink Hillman convertible in which the photo is taken, he went around with a student called
Sally Englebach, who’s claim to fame was that that she spent more years at Corsham than any other student, again really don’t know the reason why.

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It will be great if some other contemporaries get in touch. |
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- Name:
- Judy Neve (Portway)
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- NDD Course
- Dates:
- 1959-61
- Date:
- 15 January, 2017
Comments
Just found your site via a look at the Clifford and Rosemary Ellis
sale today, which happily sent me in the direction of photos of my year!
I have some photos too and will unearth them!
My name was Judy Neve, I am now Judy Portway and still in touch with Chris
Rose. In the summer I went back to Corsham and went round
the state rooms and came away amazed that I had forgotten the wonderful
paintings - apart from the allegorical painting of Elizabeth l. Best
wishes,
Judy |

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- Name:
- Doreen Page (Foster)
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- NDD Course
- Dates:
- 1948-50
- Date:
- 15 January, 2017
Comments
I was one of the first students to be chosen to attend the Bath
Academy of Art when it opened in Corsham in 1948, I was 18 years of age.
I am a coalminers daughter and one of the few working class girls to be
accepted plus the only Northerner.
My life was changed completely by my experience and sent me on a very
interesting career in varied branches of education.
I am now 88, have no email but can be contacted by letter via the
sites email. Yours Hopefully,
Doreen |

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- Name:
- Jenny Price
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- on Stephen Russ
- Dates:
- 1972-75
- Date:
- 10 June, 2016
Comments
I was at BAA from 1972 - 75 on the 3D-design ceramics course.
I can mostly say like someone else's comment that
Stephen Russ gave the impression of being able to talk to. Maybe this overseas student did once or twice, but on thinking back I might have tried to concentrate on registering the silk screen to produce
something, the process wasn't so easy for me. He was a homely natured person to me and appeared as happy being distracted into talking about his exquisite lyre making as he was teaching silk- screening. His company was like stepping back in time to another few generations or at least the contrast of his environment at Monks Park was more preferred to some of the other disciplines in the sense of there seeming to be breathing space here where everywhere else was more rushed to get work done. |

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- Name:
- Jeremy Pugh
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- A Lord Methuen encounter!
- Dates:
- 1980-83
- Date:
- 23 April, 2016
Comments
I was just recalling an incident from around 1987.
The four of us from graphics third year on the first floor of Beechfield house, at the front overlooking the supplies hut and the canteen lawn next to the office with
Angela (absolutely charming) met up in Corsham. Jeff King and his girlfriend
Juliette, soon to be and still his wife, Ray Brooking, Elaine Jones and
Gary, still together I believe, plus Eleanor my wife (no longer) and Blue, our
Alsatian-collie cross.
It was an extremely quiet day and we felt free to wander around as ex- students, not so much as we owned the place but we felt we belonged in some way. We took photographs by the cedar tree and were mooching around like tourists when a gaunt figure strode purposefully up the drive from the court. Initially we thought 'grumpy gardener' as the man was dressed in beige casuals and wore an ancient battered and rather grubby narrow-brimmed trilby.
When he was within ten yards or so he bellowed "What the hell are you doing here, we're
closed". We politely explained we were simply old students on a benign nostalgia trip.
Gradually the penny dropped.. the aristocratic nose, hawk features, scruffy but clearly expensive attire and high end brogues! He was visibly flushed and clearly fuming.
Lord Paul Methuen was not a familiar figure to me as shamefully I spent more time in the Pack Horse than in the college library. He was not over intimidating and there were six of us with a big dog after all.
He approached further and confronted us all. He then forcibly asserted his position with the unforgettable words:
"I'm Lord Methuen, GET ORF MY LAND".
Well we did. Somewhere I still have a blurry photo of him walking away down his drive.
Frighteningly I realise this is almost thirty years ago now.
Corsham has become my spiritual home above Chippenham! I hope to return someday in one form or other. |

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- Name:
- Cyril Sealy
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- My father at Corsham
- Dates:
- 1947-51
- Date:
- 26 September, 2015
Comments
I noticed on the website that my father's name does not appear on the list of ex-students of Corsham Court and I'd dearly love to put that right.
When my father, Cyril Clifford Sealy, left the RAF at the end of WWII he enrolled for a three-year ( 1947 - 1950 ) course at Corsham and then, at the end of that course, he stayed for the Supplementary Course until the summer of 1951.
After that he started his career in education, teaching Art and Music in various secondary schools until his retirement; he died at the age of 80 in 2003. I'm attaching a copy of his Pass Certificate, dated 7th July 1950, which also includes the names of all the other students who were successful that year. You can also see the certificate that he and four other students received at the end of the Supplementary Course, together with the covering letter that he received in Sept.1951.
One of the people with whom my father became friendly during those years was
Henry Cliffe, later to become a member of staff at BAA and an artist in his own right. After my father played the organ for Henry's wedding, Henry presented my father with a small painting which is now in the possession of my daughter who has subsequently collected other works by
Cliffe. Looking on Google, I see that Cliffe exhibited fairly widely and that his paintings have commanded reasonable prices when they have appeared at auction.
I'm not sure whether any of this information is of interest to you but it would be lovely to see Cyril Sealy's name on your website's list of ex-students.
Phil Sealy click
for enlargements |
  
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- Name:
- Tommy Rowe
- Email:
-
- Subject:
- Sculpture with John Hoskins
- Dates:
- 1960-63
- Date:
- 30 March, 2015
Comments
The Hare and Hounds ,The Methuen Arms, The Harp and Crown, The Roebuck, The Royal Oak, The Packhorse, The Cross Keys, and the one and only DUKE OF
CUMBERLAND. The nights at Box Caves, and the queues outside the doctors surgery the following day to repair damaged heads and limbs who can forget such an education. |
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Archive photo
found July 2018
l-r Dave Stoodley : Jim Newton : person unknown : Dave Berriman
and other "blurred" pics from my past |
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John Law the most photographed man in Beechfield and my good neighbour for
three years |
Valdemar Miadovitch |
Dave Stoodley or Valdemar with the cat |
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Valdemar and Dave French |
Me, Tommy Rowe with hat |
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The girls escape route out onto the main A4 |
The Bath House |
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The picture of John Law reminded me of that idiotic weekly event they called
Design Day. We would be set an individual project which we had to complete by the following week, when it would be displayed and discussed, this usually involved making something out of anything. Later this format was used on television, where it was known as Blue Peter.
One week we were asked to produce a work which was the result of an uncontrolled event. John Law decided to produce a painting which would be the result of an explosion. I had no idea how he would achieve this but he said
"we'll make a bomb". This would apparently involve weed killer or fertiliser and something else. I didn't believe it would work, but agreed to be sorcerers apprentice, this involved pouring the mixture into a length of copper pipe and hammering the ends shut, I did this on the hearth of my fireplace.
On the day we took everything out on to the field, at what we thought would be a safe distance. The
"bomb" was placed between two concrete blocks, on top of this was placed a tile holding tins of paint containing carefully selected colours, on top of all this was a beautifully primed board. We lit the fuse, a piece of string soaked in saltpetre and waited, I still didn't believe anything would happen, so imagine my
surprise, when there was an almighty bang and the whistling sound of shrapnel not I imagine unlike the trenches of W.W.1 As we approached through the smoke to the edge of the pit we could see there was very little left to produce a painting, but we managed to collect enough debris to make an acceptable collage.
HAPPY DAYS. |
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