Out of the Box November 2017 by Box Hill School

Out of the

Box

Newsletter For Old Boxhillians

Issue 04 | autumn 2017

Michael Klim, Swimmer, Australia

Edwin Low (1975 – 1977 Guardian)

Photographic Artist

alaysian born Edwin is one half of the highly successful international fine art photography partnership of Anderson & Low, collaborating with Jonathan Anderson since 1990. They were the first photographic artists ever to exhibit at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in 2001 and were presented with an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society in 2015. Their work includes portraiture, architectural studies, abstract images, reportage, nudes, and landscapes and is noted for its attention to concept, form, lighting and printing.

The pair are recognised for their studies of athletes and for projects about costume and identity, which have been exhibited worldwide. Their exhibitions include:- Road to 2012, as official artists for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a specially commissioned exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, Athletes, Circus, Gymnasts/NDGT, Athlete/Warrior, Endure - and they are the only artists ever to be given unrestricted access to depict how the Chinese elite gymnasts train for the Olympics. Continued over page...

What’s Inside PROFILES International Artist, Edwin Low and Round Square representative, Sandy Watt.

events Up and coming OB events and reunions.

archive Guardians, Reeves, Syndicates and Plato.

P2 and P6

P10 and P11

Out of The Box | Issue 04

profile Edwin Low continued from the front page... In 2015 Anderson & Low were invited to create a special art project around the creation of the James Bond movie, Spectre. Shot entirely at Pinewood studios, UK, the project focused on the extraordinary, gargantuan and detailed sets created for the film. Their portrait of Bond director Sam Mendes is now in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery. Later that year the pair were also commissioned to create images for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this commission resulting from their project Manga Dreams. Their works reside in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and art galleries and in March of this year, their highly successful exhibition 'Voyages', was premiered at the Science Museum, London. To create this project, Anderson & Low created painting-like images of the museum's historic collection of model ships, making the models resemble real ships at sea. “Photographed through their protective sheeting, the models take on a Turner-esque narrative, evoking epic seascapes as the pictures play with scale and context” Evening Standard. We were delighted that Edwin took time out of his busy schedule to meet with us at his and Jonathan’s exhibition ‘Voyages’ at the Science Museum to talk about his Box Hill School days and his journey to becoming an internationally acclaimed artist.

First impressions of Box Hill School My parents chose Box Hill School for me with the help of the British

Council. As my sisters were based in London at the time, it made sense for me to be at school in the vicinity. So I was 17 years old when I made the journey from Malaysia over to the UK and to Mickleham. Although I struggled emotionally with being away from home, it’s also true that as the second youngest of a family of 13 children I revelled in the feeling of freedom.

Shooting Gall On the Se

“

Coming to a boarding school in a foreign country was to teach me how to stand on my own two feet and to make my own decisions without my older siblings telling me what to do. I immediately fell in love with the architecture of Box Hill School and the whole ‘Englishness’ of the school although it was so alien to me. Cheese, for example, was a food I have never encountered before at home and, although I have grown to love it as an adult, it smelt like ‘smelly feet’ to me as a teenager. However being told that it would fill me up for the early morning runs encouraged me to eat it!

Hannah Whelan, Beth Tweddle Tunley, Gymna

Artistic life at Box Hill School The art and drama that was available at Box Hill School soon appealed to me, I had always loved art and my parents were particularly supportive of my

Aaron Jackson, Gymnast, USAFA from t

lery, Old MI6 Building from et of James Bond's Spectre

e, Jenni Pinches & Rebecca asts from The Road to 2012

the project Athlete-Warrior

Profile

talent in that area. I was not very good at sport and lacked confidence and some would say skill in music! However, Mrs McComish encouraged me to take music lessons which I thoroughly enjoyed and in drama Mrs Radford inspired me to take part in the famous Box Hill School Drama productions including directing me in the ‘King and I’.

“ I will always cherish the Box

Hill School mindset, and particularly the influence of Mrs Radford and Mr Reed, instilling in me the idea of having a liberal outlook in the sense that there are very few absolutes in life, that very little is "black or white", and there may be great merit in many different approaches and ideas, coupled with the self-belief that if you want something you go out and get it. Teachers such as Mr Cameron who taught me art, Mr Perfect for photography and Mr Reed who was my housemaster in Ralph gave me a lot of good advice when I was at school, advice that has stayed with me into adulthood. We produced our art work in a cold and miserable building at Box Hill School but it didn’t matter. We were encouraged to aspire and were given the freedom and, most importantly, the luxury of being able to discover things slowly. At that time Box Hill School allowed me to experiment with a lot of different artistic media, photography and fine art. This was and is so important. I hear a lot of children today say they “cannot draw” but encouragement and freedom is all that they need, confidence can then flow.

Life after Box Hill School – icons & heroes When I finished my Guardian year at Box Hill School I moved to London, to join my older sister, and went on to study Art and Architecture. However, it was not until my

first collaboration with Jonathan in 1990 that my work came to public recognition when we were the first photographers to be invited to exhibit at the prestigious 1991 “Royal Academy Summer Exhibition” with ‘Victorian Mannequins’ a work using the gelatine silver process. Our work was launched onto the international art world when we were invited by the National Art Gallery of Malaysia to create a new project for the 1998 Commonwealth Games. We decided to create iconic images of sport, primarily portraying Commonwealth athletes, showing the very hard process of preparation, photographing them in training halls, gymnasia, etc. You need to remember that now ‘portraits’ of athletes and sportsmen and women are commonplace but back in 1998 this was ground-breaking work. I have always been very interested in human nature and our intimate photographs of athletes in training not only capture their journey and their story but mark how human limitations are tested and exceeded. We have been humbled by the access that we have been given to our subjects training schedules. Trust between the photographer and the subject has always been very important to us and allows us to build strong relationships with our subjects. This was particularly noted when we were given unrestricted access to the Chinese gymnastics in their training run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics - a privilege that had not been granted to anyone before, not Chinese nationals nor foreigners. Since our work in Malaysia we have been invited to America to photograph the USA Olympic athletes and were chosen as one of the London 2012 Olympic official artists. All of these are huge honours and privileges, and we are very mindful of the trust bestowed on us in giving us this access. Following on from our work with iconic sports images we then became interested in the idea of hero. What is the image of a hero and what is our idea of a hero? This gave rise to our project Athlete/Warrior as follows: During our exploration of this theme we were invited to photograph the US cadets from West Point Military Academy, Annapolis Naval Academy and The US Air Force Academy. We were fascinated by how their character, identity and personae changed depending on whether they were Continued over page...

Out of The Box | Issue 04

Reunio profile Edwin Low

Palazzo, Rome from the set of James Bond's Spectre

continued from page 3 wearing their military uniforms or their sporting uniforms. And one thing that, was particularly poignant about this work made in early 1991 is that these cadets were part of the last intake that thought they would never go to war, modern day heroes. Many of those subjects, our friends, served in war zones. Some never made it back from their deployment and we found ourselves writing many war letters.

Film stars, dreams and the future More recently we have been invited to work on film projects which has been both stimulating and interesting. The Star Wars team approached us to take publicity photos for the film ‘The Force Awakens’ having seen our work with the Chinese gymnasts and our project Manga Dreams – the latter work that drew heavily on youth culture, cyber culture, and costume. They wanted us to re-create our mythical and heroic look for them, and importantly they could also see that we could be trusted with the secrecy that surrounds the Star Wars brand, so I cannot speak any more about that project, except to say it was very hard work, tremendous fun, and truly we are really proud of the results that we created for them, including the ones that were used on the film poster. Of course, it’s still wonderful to see these images on posters and merchandising everywhere we travel. We have also worked with the James Bond team and our photograph of Director Sam Mendes, on the set of Skyfall, was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery and is now in the permanent collection.

“

We were also given access to the latest James Bond film Spectre and chose our subjects to be the unsung heroes of the film; the set designers the producers and we also created a special art project about the sets themselves. On the set of James Bond’s SPECTRE, the Production Designer of Spectre, Dennis Gassner, had approached the set construction in a very classical way, researching art and history and we wanted to pay homage to that with our photographs. We wanted to show the extraordinary scale, and the beautiful, obsessive level of detail that went into these sets. The results were a beautiful stunning set of images which display the clash between fantasy and reality – the reality of the production kit and rigs and the fantasy of the sets. This can be seen in the Roman Palazzo scene where the traditional “trompe l’oeil” ceilings

of the age have been replaced by the reality of a lighting rig overhanging the fantasy table and marble colours below. Some of the prints were later auctioned at Philips in London and the whole series is in a photographic book monograph of the project.

The Future

Having just finished our most recent exhibition ‘Voyages’ at The Science museum, I am planning to take some time off to relax and recharge, but there are exciting projects and adventures in the future. My journey in the world of art continues and I will always be grateful to the part that Box Hill School played in that journey. All images © Anderson & Low. All Rights Reserved.

TEDx Talks Sharpening your senses | Anderson and Low | TEDxLondon https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zSedYUcH6nA&t=68s www.andersonandlow.com andersonandlow

Reunions

Reunions Class of 1986

The Class of 1986 got together on Saturday 24th June for a long lunch at The Runners and then spent a very happy two hours touring the school, visiting Ralph House, Burmester and other old haunts, reliving memories and catching up with each other. It was a truly international gathering with the vast majority of the attendees travelling in from overseas for the reunion, Paris, Dubai, California and Spain.

Class of 2012

Maths teacher Jane Appleton noted “What a lovely evening at the King William with the Class of 2012 - plus various people who had been in that class on the way up!” Two are teaching Maths and both have taught their classes my 'mode song'. I feel very proud of them all and am quite emotional! Well done to Mash Eagers (2012) and Mel Thorn (2012) for organising the get together.

Class of 1995

Save the Date! Saturday 16th June 2018

Having a Reunion? Please do let us know if you are having a reunion and we can help in any way, for example if you would like to be given a tour around the school as part of your day we are always very happy to welcome Old Boxhillians at any time, or we can provide you with class lists and help you ‘find’ lost classmates. Please go to www.OldBoxhillians.com and our Facebook pages to see more photos and news of reunions.

Out of The Box | Issue 04

round square Sandy Watt reflects on her Round Square expeditions 23 years of school memories

andy Watt has had a long association with Box Hill School as a parent, governor, donor, employee, feeder school Head and most recently as the Sixth Form careers adviser and Round Square representative. Sandy left Box Hill School this summer after 23 years association, and having recently come back from a Round Square International Service project in Tanzania she is now taking up a position within the Round Square organisation, as Regional Support Manager for

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Europe and the Mediterranean. Before she left us we took the opportunity to talk to her about the Round Square expeditions, which play such an important role in our students' lives. Sandy began her association with Box Hill School when she was Head of her own school ‘New Lodge’ in Dorking. Many of our students spent their formative years under Sandy’s care. It was here that Sandy first became aware of Round Square as an organisation and her enthusiasm meant she ensured that all of her Year 6 students had the opportunity to go on an international trip in preparation for their entry to a senior Round Square school such as Box Hill School. Founded in 1966 by the educationalist Kurt Hahn the 180 schools in the Round Square network all subscribe to the 6 pillars or IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. These IDEALS are weaved into the everyday life of member schools including Box Hill School. The one aspect of Round Square life that encompasses all of

As soon as I started at Box Hill School, at the open day in fact, I knew I wanted to go on all the amazing trips the school had to offer - especially anything involving Round Square. The Philippolis trips are probably my stand-out memories from my time at school. The reward I personally gained from my time there is priceless and shows how a little help can go a long way. I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to go once, let alone three times. Philippolis made me want to become a teacher and from that I'm studying primary education with a specialism in learning disciplines at university from September. Without the trips I would not be as grateful for everything life has to offer and to know when to seize an opportunity no matter how scary it looks (considering I had just turned 13 the first time I went) and to just go for it.” Jack Clarke (OB 2010- 2015)

Round Square and News

these six is the Round Square International Service expedition or project, known as RSIS. Sandy joined Box Hill School first as compliance officer and receptionist in 2010 and later as PA to the then Head, Mr Mark Eagers. She become involved in all the Round Square aspects of Box Hill School life and an opportunity to go on a Round Square expedition came when she went to Cambodia in 2013 for the 2 week adult training course. An eye opener to the risk assessments and the skills needed to run your own Round Square service project, it was on this trip that Sandy worked with other trainee leaders to build the White Dove Weaving Centre for the local women of Takao. Her first taste of what a significant difference Round Square service projects can make to a vulnerable part of our world. Box Hill School, a founding member of the Round Square network, has historically sent pupils on Service Projects around the world including India, Peru and Uganda to name a few. Run by members of staff such as Sandy, Donna Walton and Geoff Sequerah. More recently the school has developed a unique relationship with the village of Philippolis in South Africa. Round Square first visited this area in 2003 to help build a nursery and digital learning centre in the township of Bergmanshoote, a project that Sandy was involved with, and when the formal Round Square commitment to the area ended in 2006, the team at Box Hill School decided that their work was not finished there. They committed to taking a team of students from Year 10 to Year 13 every year to support the local community, and this trip has run every summer (bar 2) since 2006.

Sandy has been instrumental in these trips, recruiting students, planning the logistics and organising the fundraising before the pupils depart. Sandy is famous, of course, for running the Round Square Variety Show, held on MAD (Make A Difference) Day every year to raise the money to buy the building materials needed to complete the various building projects in Philippolis. The Variety Show encourages the whole school to showcase their talents and last year the Head, Mr Lowde even treated us to his Elvis Presley impression!! This is a student led event, which enables Box Hill students to develop their leadership skills as well as some of those softer skills such as ‘patience and tact.’ When we asked Sandy what her particular memories of the Round Square trips have been she mentioned “driving the truck, helping to corral a white rhino, walking with cheetahs and visiting the Tiger Sanctuary”

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The best memory is the same on every trip and that is seeing every child travelling on their own personal journey, physically yes, but also spiritually, becoming stronger and more confident young people. In most cases the experience has been ‘life changing’ for students and adults alike. Sandy is proud to have been connected with this very special town and charity, the ‘Good Work Foundation,’ which has opened its arms to our many students over the Continued over page...

Out of The Box | Issue 04

round square Sandy Watt reflects

WANT TO KNOW MORE

Continued from page 7

Over the years Box Hill School has helped to build a digital learning centre, a storeroom, kitchen, counselling office, laid an underground water system and prepared a vegetable garden plot, and carried out a number of refurbishments to village houses and the local village church. Box Hill School through fundraising has also supported the Under 13 Netball Team in providing a netball kit for the team, who then went on to win the Orange Free State Regional Championship. Box Hill School also sponsors young runners from the village to enter the 2 Oceans Race each year held in Cape Town.

Round Square trips are life changing for our students. As well as a bonding experience it allows them to develop their leadership skills and helps them to understand the challenges of adulthood. These trips impact the whole school community, when the students return, their passion, their conversations and their experiences filter through the whole community. We will miss Sandy hugely at Box Hill School, but in her new role as part of the Round Square World Management Team (WMT) she has assured us she will be popping into school frequently, and wants to encourage all of our Old Boxhillian community to sign up to the Round Square website so they can be contacted about up and coming expeditions and planned Round Square Alumni trips.

Leaving a Legacy Your gift to future generations The generosity of parents, alumni, governors and friends, providing the opportunity to unlock potential.

Your Support

You can make a gift to Box Hill School in your will. www.boxhillschool.com/ A-Gift-in-your-Will

Painting of Roy McComish by David Poole, former Box Hill parent and President of the Royal Society of Painters.

years, and which in turn has opened their eyes to the needs of remote areas of South Africa.

How can you get involved with RS now you have left school â&#x20AC;&#x201C; register on the Round Square website and please get in contact with Sandy sandy@roundsquare.org

Reunions and Events

events

e are busy developing a series of Old Boxhillian events and reunions. We hope that you will be able to join us, as well as taking the opportunity to come and share school events. You are always welcome to visit us at school, please just get in touch.

school open days Please do pop in on our Open Days and say hello!

the great gatsby

senior school production

Wednesday 6th Friday 8th December, 2017

open morning Saturday 3rd February, 2018 10am – 12pm

Open Evening Tuesday 12th June, 2018 6:15pm - 8:00pm

school at work day

Box Hill School Join us for Box Hill School's performance of The Great Gatsby, the 1925 novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald that follows a cast of characters living in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922.

box hill school carol service Sunday 10th December, 2017 3pm

Wednesday 7th March, 2018 Thursday 10th May, 2018

St Martin’s Church in Dorking Come and help us celebrate this special time of year and the end of term.

10:45am - 12:00pm

mickleham drinks Wednesday 13th December, 2017 6pm - 8pm For details of these events and to join us please book your place via the Old Boxhillians website – www.oldboxhillians.com (events) or contact us alumni@boxhillschool.com

King William IV, Mickleham Please do drop in and let the Old Boxhillians Office buy you a drink. Come and join OB friends for a catch up - make new friends with OBs from other eras. Spread the word - we would love to see as many OBs as possible.

celebrate box hill day Thursday 22nd March, 2018 1.15pm Dalewood Reception Join us for the annual school walk up Box Hill, a coffee and a chat at the top.

guardian and Deputy Guardians dinner Friday 23rd March, 2018 7:30pm to Midnight The Oriental Club, London Please join us for a night of memories, celebrating the past and the present of Box Hill School. Guardians and Deputy Guardians only.

london drinks Thursday 26th April, 2018 6pm - 8pm Venue TBC Please do drop in and let the Old Boxhillians Office buy you a drink. Come and join OB friends for a catch up. Spread the word - we would love to see as many OBs as possible.

box hill school ball Saturday 13th May, 2018 7.30pm to Midnight Please join us for the annual School Ball arranged by our Parents' Association, in the beautiful Tithe Barn, Burford Bridge Hotel.

speech day

Personalised Bricks Gift a permanent reminder of your association with Box Hill School. Name a brick on our dedication wall.

Building Blocks

For Future Generations www.boxhillschool.com/ Box-Hill-School-Bricks

Saturday 20th May, 2018 10.30am Please do let us know if you would like to join us for Speech Day this year.

reunion class of 1995

(1993 if you left in 5th year)

Saturday 16th June, 2018 4.30pm Box Hill School Heidi Isa and Chris Harwood are organising a reunion of their year group. The idea is to have a tour around the school and then head to ‘The Running Horses’ for dinner. Please do get in touch with them if you would like to join this reunion: Heidi_isa@yahoo.co.uk; chris@harwood-creative.co.uk they would be delighted to hear from you.

Out of The Box | Issue 04