Bideford Art School (now Bideford Arts Centre), a listed building on the Pill, has an interesting history. It started life in 1896 as a technical college, a result of ‘self help’ Victorian values. Our photo above shows the plaque on the side of the building which mentions the Mayor, and also Alderman Narroway, who was a great supporter of Bideford Library. (His portrait can be seen there in stained glass.)
The last two decades of Victoria’s reign led to what was known as ‘municipal socialising’ where museums, art galleries, technical colleges were created for the public good. Bideford’s college developed into a specialist art school, possibly because of the nature of the area, a pretty place where artists gathered, and became well known for its art and craft teaching.
I recently spoke to John Butler, former curator at Burton Art Gallery and talented wood carver – (seen here in his studio in Butchers’ Row.)
John left school at 16 and went to Bideford Art School to do what was then known as the ‘Pre Diploma’ course. Following on from that he completed his art education,as many did, at a larger art school.
The students at the Art School benefited from high quality teaching and small groups.
There were some excellent artists trained there. Allin Braund became famous for lithographs and trained and taught at Hornsey School of Art in the 1930s. Rosemary Sutcliffe, author of ‘Eagle of the Ninth’ and many other books on Roman and Greek history, was a well known member of the Royal Society of Miniaturists; Leslie Worth, who became President of the Royal Watercolour Society, was born in Lime Grove. Bertram Prance became a cartoonist for ‘Punch’ magazine, as did George Belcher, and Michael Darling (occasional cartoonist for Buzz ).
Under the leadership of Jim Paterson in the 1950s it continued to flourish with potter Harry Juniper, and artists Judith Ackland (who with Mary Stella Edwards lived in the cabin at Bucks Mills and produced some fine water colours) and Sheila Hutchinson. Their work can be seen as part of the Burton Art Gallery’s permanent collection.
In the 70s the Art School became a general further education college, and art education was diverted to North Devon College in Barnstaple (Now Petroc), unfortunately with the resultant bigger classes.
RA.
Did you attend Bideford Art School ? Share your memories of it with us.
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My brother Robert (Bob) Bentley atteded the pre-diploma course at Bideford Art School in the early 1960s before moving to Brighton Art college for 3 years in 1964 to study for the Diploma of Art and Design, along with Paddy Fletcher from Bideford. Bob subsequently attended the Film & TV post grad course at the Royal College of Art in London and developed his interest in photography. He had a successful career as a film director and in 1981 he won the BAFTA award for the Best Short Film.
2 years ago Bob put on an exhibiti0n of his artwork in the espacio gallery in Shoreditch. This featured much of the work he did when at Bideford Art School and which our parents had cared for in their attic. He fondly remembers his time at Bideford Art School which greatly influenced his subsequent work. He has written a book ‘BOB BENTLEY IN PERSPECTIVE. ART WORK FROM 1962 TO 2020.
I wonder whether anybody has information on an Alfred Grove who is said to have taught silversmithing at Bideford Art School? Circa 1960. Any leads would be much appreciated.
I have a collection of old musical instruments to give away as models for art.
Mandolin, Violin, Zither, Banjo, Cello, concertina, Digeridoo, Various horns etc,
Anyone interested? 01271 323699
In 1953 I used to attend the Art School on Saturdays for a pottery class given by Jim Paterson. All the basics, hands-on fun for a seven year old! I found the wheel a bit frustrating. My Dad was away on a RN frigate in the West Indies and when he returned I proudly presented him with my best piece: a sailor in bell bottoms standing astride an ashtray. My Dad did not smoke, the glaze had turned out RAF blue and both Jim and I had overlooked naval facial-hair policy (full-set or beard) and given the lad a flowing moustache!
Thank you, Jim. Thank you Bideford Art School!
Another well-known student was Gaye Advert:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaye_Advert
I attended a foundation year 1971-72 it was amazing i don’t think I have ever learned so much or worked so hard. The tutors and the other students I met were inspiring.
To say nothing for the equipment we used I count myself extremely lucky to have had this experience.