Self Portrait, 2016

Born in 1934, this is a portrait of a man of eighty two years. I ask myself as I look in the mirror, 'What happened to the dark hair and short, black beard?'

The Self-Portrait and the text below, were prepared for an exhibition by Derby Sketching Club (established 1887) in Derby Museum and Art Gallery. 

When I was at grammar school, my interest in Art was fired by an excellent teacher. Although my sixth form studies were physics, chemistry and mathematics, the friendly art teacher allowed me to attend his classes during my free periods, resulting in an 'A' level in art. 

On leaving school my two years of National Service loomed. My science 'A' levels enabled me to train as a radar mechanic in the R.A.F. On demob, I was accepted as a student in a teacher training college, where my interests led me to study art, craftwork, English literature and music.

The teaching career which followed took me to Sheffield, Chatham, Rochester, Hong Kong, Cyprus and, finally, Derby, where I worked for over 25 years, during which time I was  headmaster of two schools.

My degrees and advanced diploma were gained at Nottingham and Loughborough Universities.

It was the life drawing which attracted me to Derby Sketching Club. Now, as a seasoned member and Chairman of the club, I enjoy the company of many friendly amateur artists.