From the archive this week we revisit the opening of the new Art School in 1934 which followed two earlier iterations in 1901 and 1910.
The opening of the new school building on Creffield Road was reported in the Acton Gazette on 5 July 1901. It described the “handsome new school” as “an exceedingly fine and well-appointed building” which included “a well-appointed art room.”
The relocation of the school from Hoxton to Acton was so successful that just 9 years later an extension to that building was required to permit an increase in pupil numbers from 300 to 500. The newspaper reports of the official opening on 20 October 1910 by the Bishop of Kensington describes the “new wing” and includes the phrase “while the lofty studio is the delight and pride of many a youthful artist.”
The school magazine of 1934 reported the following:
“The Autumn Term of 1934 saw another great day in the history of our school. The new Art School was opened by a very distinguished artist, Professor Moira. On the afternoon of the 25th September the school and many parents and governors assembled in the School hall. The chair was taken by Mr. Donne, the Chairman of the Governors, who introduced Professor Moira to the visitors and girls.
He said that Professor Moira who was a great decorative artist and teacher of art, was very well known in London, and also he was sure, to all present. As Professor Moira rose to speak there was great applause. He said how pleased he was to be present. and to be able to open such a beautiful new studio. Art was a very difficult mistress, but by following her one was taught refinement and appreciation of art as well as the power to criticise others’ work and one’s own. He told the visitors what great enjoyment could be gained by the creation of something of one’s own, however humble. Something new was wanted in the art world today, to get art out of the groove in which she was so firmly fixed. He warmly praised the great work Miss Cocksedge and Miss Evans were doing in the school and congratulated the girls on having such excellent teachers.
A vote of thanks for Professor Moira was followed by rousing cheers, after which the head girls, carrying a silver key, followed by Professor Moira, Miss Sprules, the Governors and representatives of the Staff, parents and girls, proceeded to the art studio where Professor Moira performed the actual opening ceremony. The new studio was then thrown open for inspection by the visitors.”
Professor Moira, whose full name was Edward Gerald de Moira (1867-1959) was the younger brother of Mrs Mary Plummer, who along with her husband Cyril, were School Governors at the time.
