BOOKS, EXHIBITIONS & BUSINESS

Family connection for East London Group curator An exhibition of work by a group of 1930s artists is due to take place in Poole, curated by Alan Waltham (F74). He explains: ‘My late mother-in-law’s elder brothers, Walter and Harold Steggles, were leading members of the East London Group, hence my interest in all things ELG. The group produced 730 paintings during their eight-year exhibiting career at one of the leading galleries in London at the time, Alex Reid and Lefevre, of King Street in Mayfair.’ Alan adds that although the group’s name implies that they painted urban landscapes, only about a quarter of their output was of that type, with landscapes and seascapes being more prominent. He expects to show between 50 and 60 paintings including 15 works depicting the Dorset Coast, as well as some archive material. Further information about the group can be found on the East London Group’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds, all of which are run by Alan. The exhibition will be held at the Lighthouse Gallery in Poole from 20th January to 8th April 2023. (Picture: Chesil Bank from Portland, Harold Steggles)

Pumas was published in May this year by Polaris Publishing (ISBN: 9781913538682).

Pumas – A History of Argentinian Rugby by Rex Gowar (C66)

Sports journalist Rex Gowar recounts the history of Argentian rugby, from the roots of the game in the late nineteenth century to modern times. This twisting tale contains colourful stories of the passionate, gregarious and often controversial characters who have led to the team’s development into one of the world’s powerhouse rugby nations. Rex was born and brought up in Argentina and attended primary school there before joining Canford. He took up journalism in his early 30s and reported on the Pumas for the English-language newspaper Buenos Aires Herald from 1979. His career included spells as Reuters sports correspondent in Rome and Paris and covering 10 consecutive FIFA World Cups and four Rugby World Cups.

news IN BRIEF

Robin Whicker (Staff ‘61-96) has been enjoying afresh the brilliant cartoons of ‘Rugby Characters’ by John Irving, given to him to mark his retirement from coaching the LX Club and signed by captain David Yates (M92) and no fewer than 37 others who played for the club in that year. It brings back many happy memories, not least of sharing the tension with great friend and colleague Henry Baynham as he created an agonised path up and down the touchline.

Todd Hooper (SH08) completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Rowing Challenge last year, crossing the ocean in an impressive 36 days, five hours and ten minutes despite encountering rough weather and a marlin which holed his team’s boat during the 3,000mile passage. He raised over £150,000 for brain tumour research by taking part in the challenge. Tom Armstrong (M18) Graduated with a degree in Automotive Engineering aged 20 and is now working as Production Engineer at Griffon Hoverwork, building new 12000TD hovercraft for Oita Prefecture in Japan. Will Butt (L18) made his debut in the premiership for Bath Rugby in December last year, having first joined the club’s academy as a 14-year-old. Since graduating to the senior squad, he has also represented the club in Europe.

EMILY GARTHWAITE (Ma11)

An exhibition of photographs from Emily’s recent expedition along the Tigris will be on display at Leica Gallery, Mayfair, in February 2023. See p.32

From plastic waste to sportswear

Two generations of an OC family have formed an eco-conscious activewear brand based in Chichester. Ghislaine Jemmett (M83) and Sebastian Jemmett (F14) founded Nautra last year, together with Susanna Tweedie Hughes. Their clothing is made from materials derived from recovered ocean plastics and Econyl, an infinitely recycled yarn produced from waste including fishing nets and fabric scraps. By using recycled materials, Nautra estimates the production of its garments create 75% less carbon emissions and use 85% less energy than virgin counterparts. Ghislaine has worked as a fashion designer for a number of high-end brands and her Nautra collection is inspired by marine life and the underwater world. A percentage of each sale is donated to NGOs working to protect marine fauna and ecosystems worldwide. For more information see: www.nautra.co.uk