The Summer Exhibition Private View took place on Monday 23 May and the Longton Hall was a buzzing mix of current pupils, parents, staff and alumnae enjoying the creativity on show. This annual creative exhibition showcases the wide-ranging creative talents of our artists and designers from across the school, including outstanding DT and Art GCSE and A Level work as well as pieces from the Prep School. It was officially opened by James Hodgson, Managing Director of Sydenham Arts who gave an inspiring speech about the creative industries, the impact of the pandemic and how Sydenham Arts is providing support and mentorship to encourage young people to rekindle their passion for the arts. He was incredibly impressed with the pieces on display and heartened to see that our pupils clearly are committed to their creative endeavours! James took over as Managing Director in February 2020, bringing with him expertise from working in the Arts and Charity sector for over 10 years. James has worked on exciting projects with venues including Hoxton Hall, Canada Water Theatre, The Albany, and as Festival Director of St Leonards Festival 2016 and 2017. He is professionally trained as a performer, director and devisor from Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, and has performed and directed at international festivals and UK venues, most recently directing Eggshells at Brighton Fringe and The Kings Head Theatre, London. James is also a practising Visual and Conceptual Artist.
The exhibition was also a wonderful opportunity to invite our alumnae and former staff for ‘Pimms in the Orangery’ (not ‘on the Lawn’ as planned due to the classic British weather!) before viewing the artwork. We were delighted to welcome back alumnae from every decade, spanning the 1950’s right up to the Class of 2021 and former long-serving staff including Miss Brickell, Mr Barber, Mr Laverick and Ms Powell. Some alumnae came with their daughters to look around – and many took the chance to tour the school to see for themselves what had changed or remained the same. They also enjoyed browsing the magazine archives and old photographs on display.
The current staff were thrilled to catch up with recent leavers to hear about life after Sydenham – including alumnae who had themselves exhibited in previous Summer Exhibitions, such as Rebecca Kent whose commissioned painting of the school hangs in the foyer. New friendships were forged but it was also a reunion in the true sense of the word – two ‘Elizabeths’ from the Class of 1959 who had been chosen to plant a special tree for the Coronation in 1953, met again after many decades, and our current Head of Science was surprised to meet her former science teacher who, unbeknownst to her had also taught at Sydenham High. The Sydenham High diaspora continues to grow and we look forward to coming together again soon!
Everyone was so friendly and we were made to feel very welcome. The tour was very good and it was interesting to see all the developments that have been made to the school since our days spent there so very many years ago! It was so good to reminisce…. We enjoyed the Art Exhibition and were very impressed by the talent of the girls. May Sydenham High go from strength to strength.
(Alumna, Class of 1959)It was really good to come back after so many years, to see all the changes and to be able to reminisce. How fortunate for today’s pupils to be able to continue having a wonderful education with so many facilities and opportunities. I shall be forever grateful for the education I had at Sydenham High. (Alumna, Class of 1959)
