CURRICULUM// ART & DESIGN
INSPIRATIONAL
ARTIST VISIT
Artist Tom Wood visited the Art and
Design Technology Centre recently to
give students an inspirational insight into
his work.
Tom Wood’s portraits of Prince Charles,
Professor Robert Winston and Alan
Bennett have all been exhibited in the
National Portrait Gallery, and he has
paintings in galleries all over the world.
He ran workshops for Pocklington School
Fifth and Sixth Form students, then
chatted to them about his work, which
is often abstract and figurative, built
up using many layers of paint, printing
processes and glazing techniques.
Students were delighted to be given the
chance to leaf though his sketchbooks,
revealing his work process and the
formulation of ideas. Many of his
sketchbooks are in permanent collections
of eminent museums and galleries
around the world.
Head of Art Dan Cimmermann said: “It
was a great pleasure to have Tom Wood
working with our students. Not only is
his work beautiful but his mantra about
working hard at what you really believe
in, in whatever aspect of your life, is
incredibly inspirational for the students.
“It is always so exciting to see his
sketchbooks, and Tom’s approachability
and willingness to allow students to
TARGET REACHED project in August 2016.
We are delighted to announce that the
Pocklington School Campaign for a
new Art and Design Technology Centre
has reached its fundraising target of £2
million and has now formally concluded. Phase One of the new building was ready
to move into after the summer exams
finished the following June, and teaching
began in the new Centre at the start of
the 2017 Michaelmas Term. Phase Two
of the new building then followed, ready
for the second half of term.
This fantastic achievement is thanks
to the tremendous generosity of our
community of donors which includes
Old Pocklingtonians, current and former
parents, staff, Governors, Life Patrons,
charitable trusts and friends of the School.
The Campaign for the new Art and
Design Technology Centre was formally
launched in 2015 and was part of the
School’s strategic development plan.
Boosted by a significant contribution
from Old Pocklingtonian Brian Fenwick-
Smith, the Campaign quickly gathered
momentum and Governors gave the go-
ahead for building work to start on the
The new Centre has been designed to
inspire the pursuit of traditional arts and
crafts, as well as providing cutting-edge
facilities for digital imaging, editing,
animation,
computer-aided
design
and manufacturing technology. The
Centre is now being fully utilised by
staff and students across all year groups,
as they pursue their studies in art, DT,
photography, sculpture and ceramics.
Christopher Oughtred, Campaign
Group Chairman said: “The success
of the Campaign is a remarkable
achievement for the Pocklington School
browse through them and ask him
questions about techniques and processes
is so valuable.
“Tom also ran a drawing workshop
reaffirming just how important it is to
look and draw from observation. It was
immensely rewarding for both students
and staff alike to chat and work with
him - long may the relationship continue
between the two of us.”
community, and we thank all our donors
who have given so generously. By doing
so, they will enable future generations
of Pocklingtonians to benefit from the
creative spirit that is such a strength of
this School, in an inspirational, modern
environment.”
Mark Ronan, Headmaster, commented:
“Reaching this significant fundraising
target is fantastic news and I would like to
express my thanks to all the donors who
have supported our Campaign and who
have made the building of a new Art and
Design Centre possible.
It is wonderful to see the new Centre
now being used by students and teachers,
working to develop the creative skills
which are highly regarded by employers
from a wide range of industry sectors.
The completion of the building provides
the School with a legacy which will
benefit our students and enhance the
estate for generations to come.”
THE POCKLINGTONIAN
45