The quiet illustrator

CAROLINE STOK, ARCHIVIST

At this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days, three old exercise books were donated to the College Archives by Robert (Rob) Jones’ (OGC 1945).

When Rob Jones approached the College stand at the Henty Machinery Field Days, three old exercise books in his arms, we did not know what a treasure trove we were about to unearth.

Their pages were yellowed by age, but the markings that adorned them were still clear and vibrant. They were filled with the usual notations of a 1940s student - carefully

written notes on geography and experiments in chemistry.

The surprise came when we saw the many illustrations scattered throughout.

There were painstakingly crafted diagrams showing the workings of wind patterns around the globe, and the growth of the barrier reef, and the formation of a billabong. There were also chemistry drawings, depicting the many types of apparatus used in Rob’s class experiments.

His illustrations are not only a testament to Rob’s skills as an artist, they also provide a unique glimpse into College life in the 1940s.

More informal sketches include the College boxers, Glee Club Productions and other noteable figures.

As the books were handed over, Rob’s son joked that his father was ‘a bit late handing his homework in’.

Rob also tells us he has since found some ‘even better’ books amongst his collection.

A harsh taskmaster, he wasn’t pleased to have missed them in his first search.

‘I wanted to give myself a Saturday detention!’ he laughs.

It has been some time now since the days of detentions and homework for Rob.

He embarked on his College journey in 1941 when he started at the Preparatory School. In those days, it was based in the school buildings along Aphrasia St (now forming part of the Austin Gray Centre).

Just a year later, in 1942, Rob was named as one of the Preparatory School prefects.

A quiet achiever, his name appears in many editions of the Pegasus as he worked his way through his schooling - often listed in the top scorers for each year level. In 1946 he was dux of Form IVB, receiving the Douglas Higgins Memorial Prize.

It has been 81 years since those first days at College.

Now 94 years of age, Rob lives in Albury, NSW, with his wife Virginia. They have three children - Cameron, Tracey and Philip.

When told of our intention to publish his illustrations, Rob was somewhat surprised.

‘Oh, I don’t need all that!’ was his humble reply.

No doubt, ‘publication’ was the last thing on the mind of teenage Rob when he put ink to paper. However, we are delighted by the donation of Rob’s unique books, and for this firsthand glimpse into the life of a 1940s schoolboy.

Get in touch with Rob

Rob tells us he is always happy to hear from old friends and Old Collegians. If you would like to contact Rob, please email: communityrelations @tgc.vic.edu.au and we will make sure it reaches him.

Donate an item to our archives

If you have any Geelong College school day treasures that might be of value to the College Archives, please email: caroline.stok@tgc.vic.edu.au