I call them artists because, though their work is predominantly
practical, it retains an aesthetic edge that sets them apart from
ordinary maintenance. Much of their work is of great beauty,
and Colin’s portfolio is no exception.
purpose. He twice built the staircase in Hunter Tent
after the wood rotted out. The box for the Mary
Rose Sword and cabinet for the CCF Colours in
Armoury, the Gowning Room in College chambers,
and a litany of doors and windows throughout
the school all attest to Colin’s great skill and
workmanship. Despite this extensive collection
of work, Colin remains humble about his efforts.
When discussing them with me, Colin is encouraged
by Viv, who is clearly extremely proud of her
husband’s handiwork.
Department. He rejected this, but two years later
joined the department, starting a 44 year-long career
at the school. In his early working days at Winchester,
the Works Department was located at Moberly’s
Bow Workshop and behind St Swithun’s Street.
Nowadays, the maroon-jumpered artists that keep
the ancient school in prime condition work from
a modern base behind the PE centre.
I call them artists because, though their work is
predominantly practical, it retains an aesthetic edge
that sets them apart from ordinary maintenance.
Much of their work is of great beauty, and Colin’s
portfolio is no exception.
Colin is a craftsman. His expertise and skill covers
much of the College and its buildings. Wykehamists
benefit from it every day. When they rush to Chapel
before lessons on weekday mornings – hastily
dropping their books and folders in Seventh
Chamber Passage – they can easily forget the effort
that goes into creating space for all of their work.
Colin built and maintained the racks for this
Viv’s recollections of her favourite experiences at
Winchester are almost too many to keep up with.
When asked to narrow them down to her most-dear
memories, she refers to the Queen’s Ad Portas in
1982 and years later serving lunch to Prince Charles
– who was interested to know if the catering team
still cooked rabbit. Wykehamists who studied during
Viv’s time as Head of College Catering can attest that
the food was fit for princes and students alike. In
my own experience, the food at Toye’s was so divine
that I soon learnt why the then Headmaster, Ralph
Townsend, referred to it as Winchester’s Hilton.
Viv also speaks highly of the immense beauty
of the school and the pleasure of arriving to work
every day in stunning surroundings. Wykehamists
often treasure the architectural structure of their
secondary education long after they have left school,
and it was heart-warming to hear that the same
fondness is held by those who have been working
at the College for over 40 years. Colin also refers
to Winchester’s attractive charm, but prefers the
natural beauty of the place - the view from Hunter
Tent, St Catherine’s Hill, and the tranquillity
of the rivers through the water meadows.
The Wykeham Journal 2017 39