Old Bedalian Caius Pawson returns to talk to students

By Jake Scott, Block 4

On Wednesday 1 May, a small group of passionate Bedales musicians were fortunate enough to meet Old Bedalian Caius Pawson (2004), founder of record label Young Turks, an imprint of XL Recordings.

Caius came in to talk to us about his experience in the music industry and pass on his knowledge to our eager ears. Arriving at Bedales, he entered the studio almost as if he was in a trance, clearly amazed at how much Bedales has changed since he left. We introduced ourselves and then he began to explain how his experience at Bedales set him up for his career in the music industry.

During his time here, Caius helped organise various events, including the famous Jazz Folk Poetry (JFP) concert. After he left, he went on to curate various gigs and club nights, until he was picked up by XL Recordings.

Young Turks have signed a range of different artists, from the atmospheric English indie pop group The xx, to the electronic Quirke, modern jazz master Kamasi Washington and Mercury Prize winning Sampha.

Caius went into great detail when answering our questions about the music industry, not shying away from anything we threw at him. One of the main themes he explored was the creative relationship between artists and who they work with. He explained that his job as a manager is to guide the artists, not necessarily tell them how to think or what to write about.

It was a greatly inspiring talk for us to experience – one that we could not get anywhere other than Bedales.

Advertisement

Charge: OB’s theatre work post-Bedales

By Phil King, Director of Drama, Dance and Bedales Arts Programme

It was with a great sense of pride in recent Bedales drama and theatre studies graduates that I went to see Eve Allin’s play Charge performed at University of Warwick over the long leave weekend.

When here at Bedales, as drama Don, Eve won a major award at the National Student Drama Festival for reviewing live theatre and acted in, wrote, directed and assistant directed wonderful work while she was here.  Eve was a student who made the most of the panoply of theatrical options on offer here and Charge itself was part of the National Theatre New Views enrichment course.

The National Theatre said of Eve’s final draft that it was “a play with a great sense of the visual dimension, playing with fire and light both literally and metaphorically” and this excitement was captured in a converted Chemistry lecture theatre for the recent staging.  Seeing Charge as part of the week-long festival, Fresh Fest, offered me a chance to witness the energy, passion and drive great universities and great university students have for their subjects.  In an age where finance seems to sadly dominate most discussions about higher education watching a focussed army of directors, producers, technicians, actors and writers put on eight plays (that had to win a competition even to get to that point, selected by other students running the societies behind the scenes) was hugely heartening.

Even more heartening was watching Eve not only holding her own but being master of her world as a sharp-elbowed and highly knowledgeable first year (who is having to be highly selective of her drama courses to avoid repetition of the grounding she received whilst with us).  Well done Eve, from all of us.  We very much look forward to you making your mark, first on Warwick and then beyond.

Arts and Crafts movement

  

With an exceptional retrospective exhibition currently in the Bedales Gallery, it seemed an opportune moment to give an assembly on the Arts and Crafts movement and the intertwining of its heyday and the early history of Bedales School. The alumni list of Old Bedalians from the early years of the school is littered with the children of influential craftsmen and makers of the movement, and others who went on to become makers after starting their making journeys in the Bedales workshop.

Amongst these pioneers and advocates of the movement were Geoffrey Lupton and Edward Barnsley, both of whom were educated at the school. Ernest Gimson, one of the most distinguished and well respected designers of the period, was commissioned to draw up plans for the buildings of the school in 1906 of which the Hall and the Library were constructed. The Lupton Hall was constructed (and financed) almost entirely by Geoffrey Lupton and the Memorial Library built later after the great war to these plans. The furniture in the library was designed by Gimson and made by Edward Barnsley in the workshop that now bears his name in Froxfield.

As a community we are hugely privileged to have this grade one listed facility at our daily disposal and it is of enormous satisfaction that the legacy of the Arts and Crafts period remains flourishing in these parts. The relationship between the Barnsley workshop and Bedales remains strong with the Barnsley Scholar annual award to an upper sixth Design student cementing that relationship.

The exhibition of the furniture of the Edward Barnsley workshop  and some fine paintings inspired by the local landscape by renown artists working in the area can still be seen until 6 December. Further details on the gallery website.

By Ben Shaw, Head of Design

Pictured:
1) Geoffrey Lupton constructing the Library
2) Edward Barnsley
3) Plans for the ladderback chairs made for the Library

---

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Artwork from Conran, Emin and Yeo to be auctioned for new school building and scholarships

Exclusive works from some of the most famous names in the world of art and entertainment are to be sold by revolutionary online auction house Paddle8 to raise money for one of England’s most prestigious schools.

Bedales School in Hampshire, whose alumni include Daniel Day-Lewis, Minnie Driver, Kirstie Allsop, Lily Allen, David Linley and Cara and Poppy Delevingne, are looking for funding to build a new Art Studio and Design Workshop and for a full arts bursary scheme for talented sixth form students, who will join 140 students already benefitting from bursaries and scholarships at the school.

The school has partnered with Paddle8.com, which is backed by Damien Hirst, to auction paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and jewellery donated by many Old Bedalians and parents.

When the auction opens on 11 November 2014, people will be able to purchase works by dozens of eminent artists including, the jewellery designer Solange Azagury Partridge, Helaine Blumenfeld, Sir Terence Conran, Tracey Emin, Barry Flanagan, Stefan Hirsig, Nick Knight, Jonathan Yeo as well as works by former Bedales pupils, including sculptors, Dido Crosby and James Napier, interdisciplinary artist  Graeme Messer, graphic artist Miraphora Mina, photographer Bethany Murray, designer Steuart Padwick and painters Sarah Armstrong-Jones, Arabella Dorman, Luey Graves, Ivon Hitchens, Rupert Muldoon, Nina Murdoch and Sarah Raphael.

Remy Blumenfeld, the television producer and former Bedales pupil who came up with the idea of the auction says: “There are very few schools that give space to the arts in the way that Bedales does.

“This is a chance for people everywhere to snap up outstanding original artwork and fund scholarships for the artists of tomorrow.”

Bedales School is aiming to raise £3.5m for the new Art Studio and Design Workshop that will replace buildings that have done sterling service but after 40 years are coming to the end of their life and are struggling to accommodate all the students wishing to take these creative subjects. The bursaries will give talented students, whose family circumstances mean that a Bedales education would normally be out of reach, a transformational opportunity to study the arts at the school’s sixth form,

Keith Budge, Headmaster, said: “We are grateful that so many of our former students and others from the art world have donated these fantastic pieces of art for such an inspirational project. The combination of the new building and our first class Art and Design teaching will help us provide more future leaders for the creative industries which are so important for the UK economy.”

In America, Paddle8, started in 2011 by a group of friends including British-born auctioneer Alexander Gilkes, has had auctions of museum-quality contemporary art, fine jewellery and design objects, all vetted by specialists in their field.

Individual Paddle8 investors include Alexander von Furstenberg, White Cube gallerist Jay Jopling and curator Hikari Yokoyama.

“We are honoured to partner with Bedales to bring this extraordinary art work to Paddle8’s global collector community, and help to contribute to the funding of a new arts centre,” Alexander Gilkes, president and co-founder, Paddle8.

“Paddle8 is committed to supporting a lifelong relationship with the arts, which so often begins with early education.”

The auction opens at http://paddle8.com/auctions/bedales  at 10am GMT on 11 November, and will close at 10pm GMT on 25 November.

More auction highlights include works by Slim Aarons, Charming Baker,Erwin Blumenfeld, Alexander Creswell, Stanley Chow, Lydia Corbett, Shepard Fairey,Patricia Field, Murray Garrett, Derek Hudson, Alison Jackson, Chris Levine, Bruce McLean, Donna McLean, Jacqueline Mina, Michael Minas and Frank Worth.

---

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Showcase of Bedalian talent in art auction

A host of some of the most famous names from the world of art have donated exclusive works to Bedales, for an online auction to be hosted by Paddle8. The two week auction to go live on 11 November, will be a celebration of paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture and jewellery, many of which have been donated by artist OBs and parents.  All funds raised will go towards the new Art & Design building and a 100% Arts Bursary Scheme for Sixth Form.  Please come to a private view featuring a selection of the works on Friday 7 November, the Orchard Building, 6-8pm.  The exhibition will also be open on Saturday 8 November 12pm-2pm.  Image ‘River Avon / May / 7pm’, Egg Tempera on Gesso Panel, Rupert Muldoon, OB.

Here is a preview list of artists:

Slim Aarons

Sarah Armstrong-Jones, OB

Solange Azagury-Partridge

Charming Baker

Erwin Blumenfeld

Helaine Blumenfeld

David A. Burrows

Stanley Chow

Danielle Colucci

Sir Terence Conran

Lydia Corbett

Alexander Creswell

Dido Crosby, OB

Arabella Dorman, OB

Tracey Emin

Shepard Fairey

Patricia Field

Barry Flanagan

Murray Garrett

Luey Graves, OB

Stefan Hirsig

Ivon Hitchens

Derek Hudson

Gary Hume

Getty Images

Bill Jacklin

Alison Jackson

Nick Knight

Chris Levine

Toni Martina

Bruce McLean

Donna McLean

Graeme Messer, OB

Jacqueline Mina

Miraphora Mina

Michael Minas

Rupert Muldoon, OB

Nina Murdoch, OB

Bethany Murray, OB

James Napier, OB

Charlotte Olympia and Boyarde Messenger, OB

Steuart Padwick, OB

Sarah Raphael, OB

Gary Scott

Jo Scott

Georgia Glynn Smith, OB

Kate Teale, OB

Vivien Zhang

Frank Worth

Jonathan Yeo

…plus more to be announced.

---

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Stephen Fry launches Shakespeare Festival

The 2014 Petersfield Shakespeare Festival, launched last week by Stephen Fry, is poised to enter its third season. Demand for tickets is already high for the performances of The Merry Wives (14-19 July) and Macbeth (21-26 July) at Bedales’ beautiful and unique open air Sotherington theatre. The performances will feature West End actors and local favourites, including Old Bedalians. Ste Johnston will return in triumph after Bottom, as Shakespeare’s fattest and naughtiest knight, Sir John Falstaff, who boozes and bounds his way through the bedrooms and bars of the English countryside. Read more. To book, visit www.petersfieldshakespearefestival.co.uk or phone 01730 711599. Tickets are also available from One Tree Books, Petersfield from 16 May.

*************************************************************************************************

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Legendary Rock Show celebrates 10th birthday

Last week saw the 10th birthday performances of the now legendary Bedales Rock Show. The show that has helped launch the careers of several notable OBs including Gabriel Bruce, Marika Hackman, Leah Mason and Freddy Sheed once again threatened to take the roof off the Olivier Theatre. Stunning performances from the spectacular Rosheen Bond and Delilah Montagu were complemented by the wonderful original songs of Josie Blakelock, Jack Merrett and Harley Mitford. A whole host of amazing debut performances from the likes of Stella Green and Sophia Berger were ably supported by the impressive musicianship of Peter Wilson, Louis Giannamore, Luca Caruso and departing Rock Show icons Jasper Ford Welman and Will Reynolds. View photos. Read more.

By  Neil Hornsby, Guitar Teacher and Rock Show Organiser

*************************************************************************************************

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Sir Terence Conran ‘talks design’ at Bedales

Students, teachers, parents and members of our community were enthralled by Sir Terence Conran’s interview in the Olivier Theatre last week, where he was centre stage ‘Talking Design’ with designer and Old Bedalian Matthew Rice. Matthew prompted fascinating answers from Sir Terence on postmodern design, the inception of Habitat, his career as a restaurateur and the inspirations behind his many entrepreneurial ideas. The audience enjoyed hearing anecdotes such as when Baroness Thatcher was invited to open the Design Museum in London. Sir Terence gave insights into his inspiration behind furniture design and how observations of dreary 1950s interiors sparked ideas that transformed the furniture and home interiors industry. Read more. View photos.

*************************************************************************************************

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Olivier Theatre welcomes OB Martino Tirimo – book your ticket

“A true giant of the keyboard” returns on 24 September. Remarkably, Martino Tirimo conducted seven performances of ‘La Traviata’ featuring soloists from La Scala, Milan at the age of 12! At 13, his family moved to London from their native Cyprus and he studied at Bedales until he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. After further studies in Vienna he won the Munich and Geneva international piano competitions. He will play works by Chopin, including the Sonata in B minor, Op. 57, and Tchaikovsky’s Concert Suite ‘The Nutcracker’ (arr. Pletnev). For tickets (£14/£12 concessions), please call 01730 711511 or email tickets@bedales.org.uk.

*************************************************************************************************

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Arty OBs and new Art and Design Centre

Students follow a wide variety of careers after leaving Bedales, a significant one of which is art. We have recently spoken to Old Bedalians about their time at Bedales, including professional sculptor Simon Hitchens (OB 1985), artist/painter Anna Dickerson (OB 1991) and figurative painter Diana Armfield (OB 1937). To read their interviews click on the links above or visit the Bedales website. Reminder: An exhibition to reveal plans for a significant milestone in Bedales’ history – the new Art and Design Centre – will be held on Friday 17 May, 6pm to 8pm and Saturday 18 May, 11am to 1pm in the Reading Room, Orchard Building. All parents and their wider families, students, OBs, current and former staff are welcome. The exhibition will remain open on Monday 20 May, 11am to 4pm for students only.

*************************************************************************************************

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students’ views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.