Goldlink The magazine of the Goldsmiths Society
Issue 26
Keeping you in touch with Goldsmiths
London’s Friendliest University
Young Achiever
January 2006
The Big Draw
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welcome
Welcome from the Warden Welcome to the latest issue of Goldlink, and an especially warm welcome to the new graduates who will be receiving Goldlink for the first time. Well over a thousand students graduated in the Great Hall last September. It was my first degree ceremony since joining Goldsmiths, and I found it an exhilarating event, with exactly the right balance of formality and celebration. It was also encouraging for me to have the opportunity to meet so many new graduates, their family and friends at the receptions that followed on the College Green, and to find out just how special Goldsmiths is for those who have studied here. It is an established tradition for a new Warden to give the annual Dean Lecture organised by the Goldsmiths Society. There was an encouragingly large audience to hear me lecture in October on ‘The myths that drive us: Higher Education Policy in England Today’. I enjoyed the discussion that followed, and the chance to meet many alumni and friends of the College at the reception afterwards. Goldsmiths means a lot to people, and that makes me proud to be here. We‘ve recently been reviewing the College‘s brand, as part of a wider strategic review of how we are externally perceived. We are grateful to everyone who took part in the research through completing on-line questionnaires. The consultants had an excellent response: people really engaged with the issues raised and we had 450 responses from alumni, students, staff and Members of Council. The consultant‘s report provides us with clarity and consensus about the College‘s mission and values. It articulates what is special and particular about the College and helps us to establish a unique identity alongside our competitors. A more detailed article will be in the next issue of Goldlink. We always like to hear news about where you are and what you are doing. As the Development Office strengthens its alumni relations programmes, we hope that we will be able to offer you a variety of ways in which you might be able to support the College Finally may I wish you a very happy and successful 2006. Professor Geoffrey Crossick Warden
Welcome from the Chairman Welcome to the latest issue of Goldlink. Among the articles of interest are the new alumni membership offer at Chatham House – a think tank and membership organisation that brings together people and institutions with an interest on international affairs. There are two very different interviews with alumni – Vicki Psarias and Richard Luck. The interview with Vicki explores her busy and successful career as a screen writer, director and producer. The interview with Richard is a sadder affair. Nearly a year on from the tsunami that devastated the Indian Ocean coastal regions, Richard describes the process of coming to terms with the loss of his partner (also a Goldsmiths alumnus) in that shocking natural disaster. There is also a round of College news including the successful Student Awards, the 2005 Dean Lecture, delivered this year by our new Warden, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, and the renaming of the main College Building (the former Royal Naval School) as the Richard Hoggart Building. The name has been adopted as a tribute to Dr Richard Hoggart, whom many of you will remember as Warden of the College, 1976-84. Dr Hoggart is now 87 years old and enjoying a well-earned retirement. I was delighted to see at the Dean Lecture, another longretired member of staff. Dr Elspeth Veale was head of the Department of History in my own time at Goldsmiths (1973-76). Once upon a time, ladies were known for being somewhat coy about revealing their age; not so with Dr Veale. She will be 90 in May 2006, and on behalf of all my fellow former students who remember her, I send her our good wishes on reaching such a milestone. May I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and successful new year. Revd Dr Peter Galloway Chairman of the Goldsmiths Society
contents
News Feature London‘s Friendliest University
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Spotlight
Development News
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College News
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Spotlight
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Alumni News
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Review
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A Year On...
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Obituaries
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Young Achiever
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Events
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Goldsmiths Society Services
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Page 8
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Compiled and edited by: Claire Norden Designed by: Reprographic Unit Printed by: The Colour Works Printing Company Contributions are welcomed and any editorial material should be addressed to the Development Office. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope if you would like your material returned. No responsibility can be taken for any loss or damage. All personal information submitted to the Development Office will remain confidential to Goldsmiths and is kept in accordance with the provisions of the 1998 Data Protection Act. Your information will be used to keep you informed about alumni and fundraising activities at Goldsmiths and for the promotion of benefits and services. The Goldsmiths Society, Development Office, Goldsmiths College, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, UK. Telephone 020 7919 7069, fax 020 7919 7903, e-mail goldsoc@gold.ac.uk, www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni
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To contact the Development Office Team Rosie Dewhurst Director of Development, tel 020 7919 7612, e-mail r.dewhurst@gold.ac.uk Stephen Clarke Development and Alumni Manager, tel 020 7919 7265, e-mail s.clarke@gold.ac.uk Claire Norden Alumni and Events Officer, tel 020 7919 7096, e-mail c.norden@gold.ac.uk Matthew Grew Clerical Assistant, tel 020 7919 7033, e-mail m.grew@gold.ac.uk
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feature
Goldsmiths is London’s Friendliest University Goldsmiths has recently been named the friendliest university in London and the second friendliest in the UK by the Friends Reunited website, www.friendsreunited.co.uk. A staggering 26,500 e-mails have been sent between Goldsmiths graduates, an average of four per student. The reunion website, which has more than 12 million members, revealed a league table of Britain’s friendliest universities based on the e-mails sent via the website, between the alumni of the country’s universities and colleges. The University of Hull headed the top 100, closely followed by Goldsmiths in second place, with Leicester’s De Montfort University coming third. Katie Lyons (BA Drama and Theatre Arts 2000-03) has put the award down to the staff and alumni of the College ”The College deserves this award as I think it needs recognition for how inviting and supportive it is as an academic institution. Prospective students need to be informed of what a great place it is and Goldsmiths alumni and staff need to be acknowledged for their contribution towards making Goldsmiths what it is today.” The Friends Reunited findings revealed that people who were students during the 60s and early 70s are the friendliest with each other today. Michael Enscot, a current staff member, who studied at Goldsmiths in the early 70s said “Even though the College has grown and changed over the last 30 years, the friendly atmosphere still remains. My years spent studying at Goldsmiths were some of the best of my life; it fully deserves this award.“ Rachel Bevan a music student from 1997-2000 had this to say: ”Goldsmiths has a unique vibe and there is always something going on.” Martin Wellard, BSc Psychology with Computer Science from 1992 and former member of staff, said ”Although Goldsmiths is permanently changing; the friendly, stimulating ‘something‘ is always there. In fact, since I first started, things have changed radically: new buildings; new layouts; new staff; new courses. But the friendly core remains unchanged.”
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Development News Rosie Dewhurst The Development Office is now engaged in a rolling Development Campaign. This means that each year, starting in November 2005, we will be encouraging all academic and support departments to propose projects that require external philanthropic funding. This will, in turn, provide prospective donors with a strong portfolio of projects from which to choose. Clearly not all of the annual project nominations will be approved; there will be capacity issues surrounding how many projects the Development Office can successfully engage with on an annual basis. However, this process will play a key part in moving forward with external philanthropic fundraising at Goldsmiths. The Development Office is, in fact, already busy researching our funding options for several exciting projects the College wishes to take forward and we will let you know more details of these and our progress in subsequent editions of Goldlink. In the year to September 2005, with no expectation that any income would be secured, the Development Office successfully raised just over £170,000, the majority of which was ear-marked for scholarships and bursaries. This represents an excellent start and we are now obviously striving toward building upon this early and unexpected success. Just as networking is the key to the success of the Development Office, we recognise the importance it plays in your lives as well and we are in the process of developing and delivering networking events in the UK. Please visit our website for the current events listing. If you would like to host a networking event, please contact Matthew Grew. Internationally we are becoming increasingly active and are seeking to establish at least two Overseas Alumni Networks in the coming academic year. These networks, once operational, will afford former students of the College, the opportunity to socialise and network together. These will also assist with College recruitment and will provide a point of contact for our students and alumni who are traveling. If the idea of an overseas network in your country is appealing, then please do get in contact with Claire Norden, Alumni and Events Officer, who would like to hear from you. Working with the Careers Service at the College, the Development Office is expanding the Alumni Relations Programme, which provides work experience, recruitment opportunities and careers advice for current and former students. Please contact Claire Norden for more information. The start of term is always a busy time for the College and the Development Office is no exception. Despite the increasingly frantic and unrelenting pace of activity, there is a palpable buzz of excitement and anticipation amongst my colleagues, borne out of the knowledge that Goldsmiths is entering an exciting phase in its development and we, as employees, are privileged to be a part of it. The Development Office wish you all a happy and successful 2006.
Mayor‘s New Cross Awards The Mayor’s New Cross Awards were launched at Goldsmiths on 29 September 2005 to commemorate the lives of the 14 young black people who tragically died in the New Cross fire of 1981. The awards comprise of two bursaries each worth £10,000. Each year two successful Goldsmiths applicants, (one male and one female) who have been educated in the London Borough of Lewisham, will be selected to support them through their studies. The first four recipients will be selected over the coming academic year to take up their studies in September 2006. The Awards have been established by the Mayor of Lewisham Councillor Steve Bullock, and aim to aid young people who have academic ability but might otherwise be deterred from entering university because of financial difficulties. The Awards presentation was attended by Professor Geoffrey Crossick, Warden of Goldsmiths, Councillor Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham and Mr George Francis, Chair of the New Cross Parents Committee, together with other family members of the New Cross fire victims, representatives from community groups and local police.
Happy Song Formula Goldsmiths Psychology Lecturer, Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, has identified a mathematical formula for the perfect feel-good song. Based on pitch, positive lyrics beats per minute, images associated with the music and brain simulation, the 1990s tune Wake up Boo by the Boo Radleys is most likely to raise listeners’ sprits. The formula is: P + Pos + T + BMP + I + S P. P is pitch; Pos is the percentage of positive lyrics; T is tonality; BMP is beats per minute. I is images associated with the music and S is the level of serotonin. Other feel-good songs include Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys and I Want You Back by the Jackson Five.
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The Annual Dean Lecture: The myths that shape us: Higher Education Policy in England Today As tradition dictates, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, the new Warden of Goldsmiths, was called upon to deliver the annual Dean Lecture to an audience of alumni, staff and students of the College.
Professor Crossick focused his lecture on the character of higher education policy in this country, and in particular the myths surrounding policy making by successive UK governments. During the Lecture, Professor Crossick gave an insight into current higher education thinking. He talked about several myths that he felt surrounded higher education policy including:
• the reasons why students from poorer backgrounds don’t go to university is because universities don’t do enough to attract them? • variable fees will solve the financial problems faced by universities and that those fees could be sold to hesitant students as an investment in their future? • if the system of admissions to universities were different clever students from disadvantaged backgrounds would flood into those institutions that like to be known as ‘the best universities’. Presented in a very friendly way the Lecture delved deep into these issues, opening the audience’s eyes, in a thought provoking way.
Professor Geoffrey Crossick right, with the Revd Dr Peter Galloway
The lecture was organised by Development Office staff and introduced by the Revd Dr Peter Galloway, Chair of the Goldsmiths Society.
Main Building renamed On 11 October 2005, the Main Building was formally renamed the Richard Hoggart Building, after Dr Richard Hoggart, the seventh Warden of Goldsmiths, who served from 1976-1984. Richard started his career as a lecturer in adult education and held a chair at Birmingham University. He came to Goldsmiths after a number of years as
Deputy Director for UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). The Richard Hoggart Building is the first port of call for visitors, staff and students and even though it was built over 160 years ago it still remains at the heart of the College‘s activities.
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Unique collaboration In October 2005, the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre (BBIRC) presented Professor Jane Powell, Head of the Psychology Department at Goldsmiths, with £20,000 to partially support an academic post as part of a new collaborative research and training initiative. This funding will enable Goldsmiths to develop a programme of clinical research at BBIRC and also to run an innovative one-year MSc in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience. The partnership provides a unique opportunity for students on the MSc to complement their academic studies with highly relevant clinical experience. Selected students will work at the Centre as paid part-time rehabilitation assistants, or carry out clinical research for their dissertation. On campus, students have access to new world-class laboratories for neuroscience research using EEG, computational modelling, psychophysiology, behavioural genetics, and psychopharmacology methodologies. The programme is highly relevant to psychologists keen to pursue further academic research in experimental psychology or neuroscience; to healthcare professionals with an interest in brain injury or neuroscience; and to graduates who want to develop their knowledge of this field for clinical careers.
The Big Draw Over 250 adults and children including some of our alumni took part in ‘Create Regenerate’ this year‘s Big Draw event which took place at Goldsmiths on the 22 October. Visitors took an eco-friendly look at creativity and were encouraged to take part in a number of imaginative activities. These included a colourful participatory giant weave with fabric, floor drawing with a range of materials and creating images from recycled clothing and sand. The Big Draw was thought up in 2000, by The Guild of St George, a charity founded by John Ruskin. The Big Draw embraces over 1,500 venues and half a million people with the simple aim to just get everyone drawing.
Professor Jane Powell, said “Working with clinicians at BBIRC, which provides high calibre treatment for patients with complex cognitive and behavioural problems after brain injury, will strengthen our capacity to understand the effects of brain injury and to contribute to the development of effective interventions. The value to our MSc students – the researchers and health professionals of the future – of exposure to real-world clinical issues is immeasurable”
From left to right, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, Mee Ling Ng, Sir William Utting Chair of Council with musician Graham Coxon
Presentation Ceremonies 2005
Student Awards Scheme 2005 In October 2005, 29 students were awarded £500 under the College‘s Student Awards Scheme. This annual Scheme aims to reward academic excellence and to help ease the financial burden placed on students. Academic departments nominate students over the summer, based on academic achievement and contribution to their department. The College is extremely grateful to the following sponsors who made the 2005 Student Awards possible: Citigroup, The Goldsmiths Society, ISS London Ltd, University Partnerships Programme, Knox Cropper National Westminster Bank, Scolarest Catering, The Colour Works Printing Company, Sir Paul Girolami, Mr B A Walker and Mr Jamal Butt.
In the first week of September, over a thousand students attended the annual presentation ceremonies at Goldsmiths, watched by their families and friends. Honorary Fellowships were awarded to former Goldsmiths students Julian Clary (English and Drama); Graham Coxon (Fine Art), musician and former member of Blur; and Ian Rickson, Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre, (Postgraduate Teaching Certificate in Drama). The College also awarded Honorary Fellowships to Jools Holland, musician; and to Mee Ling Ng, the first female Chinese Councillor to be elected in Britain, as well as being a member of the College Council for over six years. At the ceremonies, Goldsmiths also awarded Honorary Degrees of the University of London to Jeremy White, local Government Ombudsmen; Professor Alan Roberts, Professor of Biomaterials in Surgery at the University of Hull and Director of the Biomaterials Research Unit; and leading social theorist and former member of staff, Professor Paul Gilroy, who has recently taken up the Anthony Giddens Chair of Sociology at LSE.
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spotlight
A Year On . . . Back in November, I spoke with Richard Luck about the changes in his life since he lost his partner, Alice Macgill, and her mother, Sally, to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004. Richard (BMus 1997-2001) and Alice (BMus 2000-03) had been together for over two-and-a-half years and had recently moved in together. “Alice had just completed the first term of her Music PCGE back at Goldsmiths’,” says Richard. “She was really enjoying it, doing something she really loved – getting stuck in, teaching music.” Taking a well-deserved holiday, Alice and Sally had flown to Thailand to spend Christmas with Alice’s sister, Edith (PGCE 2002-03), and her partner, Matt. “Christmas and New Year is a busy time for musicians, and we both agreed for financial and work reasons, it was better I stay at home,” explains Richard. “My main wish was that they enjoy a happy holiday together as a family – and when I last spoke to Alice on Christmas Day, they’d done exactly that. I won’t forget that.” The next morning they went kayaking off Ao Nang beach, Krabi, when the wave struck, claiming both their lives. They were just 23 and 53 respectively. “Completely unexpected, totally out of the blue. We were all devastated…” Richard suddenly left the show in which he was performing to come to terms with this tragic loss. He quickly moved out of their flat. In February 2005, Goldsmiths’ Music Department included in their concert Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 1 for eight solo cellos as a memoriam to Alice, herself a cellist. “It was such a wonderful evening,” recalls Richard. “I’m so grateful to the College, and pleased so many of our friends were able to attend. I’ve had nothing but support from them all.” Support has come also from the police and, of course, Richard’s family: “We’ve grown closer through this experience. Our family is pretty spread out internationally, so travelling and spending time with my brothers has been great.” The British Red Cross has been of particular assistance, establishing a support network for both survivors and those bereaved by the disaster. Together with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, they organised the service of remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral in May 2005 – followed up in September with a reception held by HRH The Prince of Wales, at Highgrove House. “St Paul’s was an incredibly moving day – and a very difficult day at that. But these occasions, together with the network meetings, are so invaluable. They’re an opportunity for all those affected by the Tsunami to join together and share our traumas and feelings – something I could not have done without the Red Cross’ help.” Such is his feeling toward the British Red Cross, he wanted to give something back to say thank you. In early October he completed a 150ft abseil challenge, raising over £400 in sponsorship. “I didn’t let it show, but I was probably a bit more nervous than I thought!” he remembers. “It was for a great cause and I’d love to do some more fundraising – I’m currently working on a bike ride across India!” Richard plans to visit Thailand with Alice’s family: “It’s something I must do – to know where she was. It’s difficult to suggest when we’ll go, we’ll have to wait and see.” Their waiting continues. Though Sally was laid to rest in September, Alice is yet to be identified – one of six Britons still unaccounted for in Thailand.
Top left, Alice and her mother Sally. Top right, Richard with Alice. Bottom, Richard after completing his abseil.
Richard now lives with his cousin in Putney, and is a busy freelance jazz-pianist and keyboard player, gigging regularly around London and currently touring with The WestEnders. He is a workshop leader for Streetwise Opera, a charity working with the homeless. His debut album Shanghai, is available now and contains a blend of self-penned melodies and standard material. A year on, Richard is keeping positive in mind: “Learning to drive, and promoting the album tour is keeping me busy – so I guess the future is far from bleak, I’ve plenty to look forward to.” To find out more about Richard’s fundraising activities, his album and his plans for the future, please visit his website www.richardluck.com Claire Norden
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Young Achiever Vicki Psarias graduated from Goldsmiths with a distinction in MA Screen Drama and Direction in June 2003, after also completing her BA in Media and Communications here. I went to meet her in early September to find out how her life and career was developing post-Goldsmiths. Dedicated, passionate, hardworking, outgoing and ambitious are five words that best sum up this remarkable young woman, who at the age of just 24, has already achieved considerable success as a scriptwriter, director and producer.
film which she achieved through sponsorship, product placement, clever advertising in the Cypriot newspapers to attract professional actors and even a fundraising Greek dinner dance! After that it was down to hard work and working with a fantastic cast and crew. Once ‘Rifts’ was finished, it gained broadcast credits on the BBC, SKY TV and Canadian TV and was shown at cinemas in the UK supporting feature films. It also screened at film festivals internationally from The Izmir Film Festival in Turkey to The Reelworld Film Festival in Toronto. Vicki was soon snapped up by a top agent Jane Villiers at Sayle Screen and is currently developing several film and television projects. Not content with developing her own career as a writer, she also teaches BTec Media Studies at Lewisham College part-time, as she is very keen to pass on her knowledge and skills to other young people interested in the media. All this work leaves Vicki with little spare time; she typically works a 50 to 60 hour week and is clearly focused upon any project that she undertakes. I was curious to find out what Vicki’s future plans are. She is currently writing a screenplay inspired by ‘Rifts’ which has attracted great interest from Film Four, Working Title and Pathe, to name but a few. She has also written a children’s book, ‘It’s All Greek to Me‘, about a 10 year British Greek girl, who is coming to terms with her cultural heredity, whilst coping with the hardships of growing up without a father. Vicki’s biggest influence in her career has been her MA lecturer, the late John Beacham. She feels that if she had not had his guidance and support, she would not have made her short film or be as determined to succeed. ‘At 21, I was the youngest in the class so felt a little inadequate. John was inspirational and supportive: a wonderful mentor and I’m extremely grateful for all his nurturing’. Her MA course provided her with an all round understanding of the film world and has given her an invaluable foundation for her career. Clearly Vicki also receives great support from her parents who have helped her throughout her studies and are valuable mentors to her, in her busy working life.
As part of her MA, Vicki, of Greek Cypriot origin, wrote, directed and produced a short film, entitled ‘Rifts’. The film reflects the parallel lives of two north London kebab shop owners, their families, and the social-political constraints that have segregated the Greeks and Turkish Cypriots for many years. The film won Best Screenplay 2004 at The Portobello Film Festival which was of special importance to Vicki as this festival screened her very first films ‘Scarred’ and ‘Do you Believe in Fairies’ made for her BA in 1999. ‘Rifts’ also won Best Short Film of the Month at the New Producer’s Alliance Short Film Awards; competing with the Oscar nominated short film ‘Little Terrorist’ amongst others and was one of the winners for Best Short Film at the Euromedcafe International Short Film Competition – a competition for films trying to create peace in the Mediterranean and Middle East. These awards make all the hard work worthwhile. Vicki had only a few months in which to raise £12,000 in order to make the
Vicki is keen to develop and maintain her links with the College, “Goldsmiths has been fundamental in my career, it made me think outside the box and throughout the industry is recognised as one of the most cutting edge institutions.” She has offered to share her experience and knowledge of the business with current Goldsmiths students as part of the Alumni Careers and Networking Programme we offer. Look out for further details as an event is due to take next spring. Before she rushed off to another meeting, I asked Vicki what advice she would give to others hoping to embark upon a career in media and film, and in with typical candour she replied, ‘Be original, be realistic, always work hard and never forget to promote yourself!’ Claire Norden
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news
Alumni news Mary Rose Cook (BA Design 2001-05) has just won the BDC New Designer of the year awards for ‘cooks measure’. The measuring devices for the kitchen originated from the exploration of negative space between the object and the user. Her products measured the volume or weight of their contents in accordance to the amount of space displaced by the user’s hand. The 2005 BOC Emerging Artist Award was won by Goldsmiths graduate, Justin Coombes. Using a method which he describes as ‘Photosynthesis’, Justin projects images onto buildings or interiors using a slide projector. The images are almost unidentifiable to the naked eye, but are captured using long-exposure photography. The BOC Emerging Artist Award supports promising young artists based in the UK with a grant of £20,000 going to the winner, with additional discretionary awards of £1,000 each to the runners-up. The award is designed to cover a year‘s studio rental and materials, a travel bursary and the costs of a London-based exhibition at the end of the award period. Sarah Jane Stirling (Drama and Theatre Arts 1997-99) holds the record for the fastest female to swim the Channel, from the Channel Islands. After months of preparation, early morning swims, and hours slogging up and down various Jersey bays, on Monday 1 August 2005, Sarah left Shakespeare Beach in Dover. Eleven hours and twenty-three minutes later – she arrived at Cap Griz Nez in France. Exhausted but jubilant, she had achieved her dream.
”After my arrival, I looked back over the water as far as I could see… I couldn‘t believe I‘d actually done it! Euphoria set in and I’m still riding high on that wave of happiness. I feel so proud and although at first I said never again, as time ticks on I keep thinking of new challenges … You just never know what’s on the next horizon!” Jodie Carey (BA Fine Art 2002-05) has been picked out by the Times Newspaper as one of Britain’s brightest new artists. Pieces of her work have been bought by Charles Saatchi and she is also exhibiting at the Hauser and Wirth Gallery in Zurich. Jodie has also been approached by the Victoria and Albert Museum to produce a piece for its contemporary acquisitions department. Jodie’s work has recently been displayed at the Affordable Art Fair (AAF) which took place in Battersea park in October. “The graduate section of the fair is a launch pad for up and coming artists” she says “It displays their work and provides the opportunity for us to meet gallery owners. It also makes contemporary art accessible to a wider audience.”
If you would like to be featured in Goldlink please do contact us, we are always interested to hear what our former students are up to.
Ian Moffat (Music 1983-87) Since graduating Ian has pursued a career as a freelance trombonist. He has performed around the world from Los Angeles to Japan and many points between with Ensembles ranging from the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra to the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Palm Court Theatre Orchestra. Although trained as a classical orchestral player, Ian works predominantly (but not exclusively) in the field of light and commercial music. He has worked on West End shows such as Carmen Jones, City of Angels, Crazy for You and Hot Shoe Shuffle as well as playing on numerous recordings ranging from Dog Food adverts through Big Band albums to major Symphonic works. Ian has played Lead Trombone for the Syd Lawrence Orchestra for the last 3 years, and has recently acquired a 50% share in the business and taken over the job of business manager for the orchestra. When not chained to his laptop or on the road doing the 100 or so concerts a year that the SLO performs, Ian also finds time to work with many other ensembles. These currently include the Rambert Dance Company, English Chamber Orchestra and Oxford Philomusica, and he also deputises in the West End on shows such as the Lion King and the Rat Pack. Ian maintains a link with Goldsmiths, returning with his Quartet for 4 days each year to provide the background music for the receptions which follow the Annual Degree Ceremonies.
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Revelation to Revolution. The Legacy of Samuel Palmer The revival and evolution of pastoral printmaking by Paul Drury and the Goldsmiths School in the 20th century. This is the title of Joylon Dury’s book; a brief insight into the book is given by Professor Brian Falconbridge below: Although I never met Paul Drury, I do seem to be following him around a little, both at Goldsmiths and now at the Sir John Cass. Paul retired from Goldsmiths just before I arrived there as an undergraduate in 1970. The Goldsmiths success story is built on the efforts of teams of dedicated artist-teachers over a century. The collective memory is short and the great contribution made by key individuals and by scores of people over the years is all too soon forgotten. The story of Paul Drury and his life at Goldsmiths is a real slice of the 20th century. It is good to be reminded of the major players who passed through – Sutherland is certainly one – and those who stayed, like Drury. Goldsmiths was the Drury family firm. His direct association with Goldsmiths extended from 1921 over 48 years, and his father, Alfred, had taught modelling from 1891, the very beginning of Goldsmiths – longevity that is unlikely to be replicated. This well-illustrated book traces first the revival of pastoral printmaking, developed so successfully by the class of 1921 at Goldsmiths in the 1920s and ‘30s, then that period of innovation in graphic design under Clive Gardiner that stretched through the War years into the 1950s. It maps the 60‘s when Andrew Forge shifted the scope of Fine Art by internationalising its outlook towards high-profile American artists of the day – which was not without friction behind the scenes. There are some good stories to be told. Seeing Goldsmiths through Paul‘s eyes gives real insight into some of the main players of the time, handing on knowledge hard won and giving inspiration to those who follow on. The reach of Goldsmiths is now truly international. It has even acquired “brand“ status. What and wherever it is now is due to the accumulated efforts and dedication of innumerable individuals. Paul Drury played his part. It was a major role. He was in it for the long haul and gave his all to the school he loved.
Promotional price for Goldlink readers: £19.95 inc postage and packing. Please send your order, stating the title to Headley Brothers Ltd, The Invicta Press, Queens Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8HH. Or by telephone 01233 623131. Contact Jan Green. Cheques for £19.95 to accompany the order to be made out to Headley Brothers Ltd.
1954-59 Reunion The date of the next reunion has been confirmed as Saturday 28 October 2006 Al Barclay, 1956-58
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obituaries
Fondly Remembered Ken Bright Head of Ceramics (1960-91) and former student
Ken Bright was born on the Isle of Wight. He studied sculpture at Portsmouth Art School, and then studied for the Art Teacher’s Diploma (forerunner of the PGCE) at Goldsmiths. He had already developed a keen interest in ceramics and was inspired to work with this medium in order to develop its sculptural potential. In 1960, he initially worked part-time at Goldsmiths, but went on to be appointed Head of Ceramics, a position he held until his retirement in 1991. He was also invited to lecture in the USA, and to advise the Inner London Education Authority on three dimensional art education in London Schools. The Ceramics Department attracted a range of postgraduates, art students, trainee teachers and mature students. His students recall his reflective nature and his high standards combined with his inspirational teaching. He encouraged all those who came to the Department to work towards their individual goals, rather than learning by some set ‘housestyle’. Such was his charisma that many of his students became his life-long friends. Ken was happily married for almost 40 years to Mary Bright (Head of Residences, Catering and Conference Services at Goldsmiths) and was the proud father of three daughters and one granddaughter. All the children were encouraged to enjoy and experiment with ceramics from an early age. After leaving Goldsmiths, he turned his attention to painting, developing his long-
standing interest in colour and capturing light effects. He also taught at Blackheath Conservatoire, encouraging another generation of artists and students. His legacy lives on not just through his own work but also through the work of scores of artists and teachers who studied with him at Goldsmiths and who now practice throughout the world. His work is held in private collections in USA and Europe. Margaret Chatterton (nee Herbert) Little did I think that two years almost to the day after writing an obituary for my dear friend John Bavin, I would be writing one for my wife, Margaret, who died peacefully at home on 23 January 2005, after a brave battle against cancer. She was a student at Goldsmiths from 1954 -56 on the Secondary Course with music as her main subject. Margaret was a competent pianist and was involved with many of the College’s musical productions, greatly benefiting from the tutoring of the late Betty Barnard and Paul Steinitz. Many of the tributes that were made after her death referred to her great musical contributions to the children she taught. Her pianistic skills were greatly used at the Trowbridge Music Festival where she was the official accompanist for many years, and also at two local schools where she accompanied pupils for their Associated Board Exams. In addition she played the organ once a month at a local church and also at a nearby rest home where we took a service together. The Thanks Giving Service held in February 2005 was a moving and memorable occasion with 300 people attending, a wonderful tribute to her. Many wrote to me afterwards in appreciation of her qualities. One said ”she was so ready to help anyone and so generous with her Christian care and concern, such a special lady”. Sir Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi, said recently that ”the people most mourned are those who enhance the lives of others, who live for certain values and made a difference to someone else’s life”. In humility, that could be said of my dear wife, Margaret. David Chatterton 1954-56 Sir Edward Heath Goldsmiths Honorary Fellow, Sir Edward Heath, was educated at Oxford University. He entered parliament in 1965 and represented Bexley throughout his parliamentary career which included four years (1970-74) as Prime Minister. The greatest achievement of his life, as he saw
it, was securing Britain’s entry into the Common Market. Sir Edward was well-known for his love of sailing and music, the latter having brought him into contact with the Goldsmiths Orchestra on at least two occasions. The piano soloist on one such occasion was the Bishop of Woolwich. Sir Edward enjoyed life; amongst other things he was a successful author, an avid art-collector and a generous host. As a politician, he was honest but outspoken, principled but stubborn. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Goldsmiths in 1994. Roger Penn Passed away in March 2005. A full obituary will be appearing in the next issue of Goldlink. Dame Cicely Saunders Honorary Fellow, Dame Cicely Saunders, died on 14 July 2005 aged 87, and was regarded as the founder of the modern hospice movement. She developed the ground-breaking concept of ‘total pain’ recognising that terminal illness caused not only physical pain but also great emotional, financial and spiritual stress. By providing understanding and practical help, as well as painkillers, Dame Cicely aimed to treat the whole person. She trained as a nurse at St Thomas Hospital in the 1940s and completed a war degree at St Anne’s Oxford in 1945. She then trained as a doctor and was awarded a clinical research fellowship to study pain control. She established St Christopher’s in Sydenham in 1967 and today it cares for 2,000 patients and their families. Inspired by Dame Cicely’s example a group of Yale medical professionals founded the hospice care movement in 1974 and since then hospice teams have spread through out the world. Dame Cicely held more than 25 honorary degrees. She was appointed OBE in 1965, DBE in 1980 and OM in 1989. She was made an Honorary Fellow of Goldsmiths in 2001. Annette Eileen Walker Annette studied English and Drama from 196164 and resided at Pentland House. She was a fan of folk music and was active in College drama productions were she met her husband Ian Wright. After a short spell of teaching in Nottingham, they emigrated to Canada. She taught in Alberta, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. She had a great sense of humour and her fridge notes to her family were regarded as ironic insights. She died in December 2004 after a brave battle with cancer.
news events
Exhibitions BA Design/Eco Design Shows Thursday 1 June Friday 2 June Saturday 3 June Sunday 4 June Monday 5 June
6.00pm – Private View 10am - 6pm 10am - 6pm 10am - 6pm 10am - 6pm
The Boiler House, Old Truman Brewery Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Visual Arts Undergraduate Shows Thursday 15 June Friday 16 June Saturday 17 June Sunday 18 June Monday 19 June
6.00pm - 8.30pm – Private View 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm 12 noon - 4pm 10am - 5pm
Ben Pimlott Building, Goldsmiths College Visual Arts Postgraduate Shows Thursday 13 July Friday 14 July Saturday 15 July Sunday 16 July Monday 17 July
6.00pm - 8.30pm – Private View 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm 12 noon - 4pm 10am - 5pm
Ben Pimlott Building, Goldsmiths College
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Concerts Friday 3 February COMPOSERS‘ FORUM compositions written by students at Goldsmiths 7.00pm, Great Hall, Admission Free Tuesday 7 February Recital: MARIA KRIVENSKY (piano) 7.30pm, Council Chamber, Admission Free Friday 17 February GOLDSMITHS SINFONIA and CHORUS with ELECTRONIC MUSIC STUDIO Programme to include: Saariaho – Verblendungen (with electronics) Tavener – Celtic Requiem 7.30pm, Great Hall, Admission: £9 (£6 concessions) Wednesday 22 February Lunchtime Recital: GOLDSMITHS BRASS ENSEMBLE 1.05pm, Council Chamber, Admission Free Wednesday 8 March Lunchtime Recital: GOLDSMITHS CHAMBER CHOIR 1.05pm, Recital Room, Admission Free Friday 17 March CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE Director: Roger Redgate 7.30pm, Recital Room, Admission Free Wednesday 22 March Lunchtime Recital: ALEXANDER IVASHKIN (cello) with BORIS BERMAN (piano) 1.05pm, Council Chamber, Admission Free Wednesday 7 June COMPOSERS‘ FORUM compositions written by students at Goldsmiths 7.00pm, Great Hall, Admission Free Friday 9 June GOLDSMITHS SINFONIA and CHORUS Programme/Conductor to be confirmed 7.00pm, Great Hall, Admission: £9 (£6 concessions)
There are lots of other events at Goldsmiths including talks, lectures, performances and other student shows which are open to the public. For further information, please look at the website: www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/events. Goldsmiths also produces a termly events leaflet; if you would like us to add you to our mailing list please contact the Development Office.
Take a Journey with PureGoldsmiths PureGoldsmiths is the commercial arm of the Office of Business and Community Development and is now able to offer business advice and services to Goldsmiths graduates. We can provide a range of services (see right) designed to release the creative talent within your business. We can work together with you and your business, to identify effective ways to increase profitability and your market position. PureGoldsmiths can offer you the opportunity to take advantage of new ways of thinking and provides an insight into the latest technologies and initiatives available. If you would like to find out more about the services on offer and the associated costs, please call Sam Arshad on 020 7919 7692. We look forward to working with you.
Strategic Analysis
Development programmes
Corporate Brand Development
Design Team Facilitation
Branding & Marketing Strategy
New Product/Services Development
Design Management Consultancy
Product Rapid Prototyping Service
Forecasting
Design & Creativity Programme
Trend Forecasting
The Creative Bridge
Attitude Surveys
Design Away Day
Media Effects
Applied Workshop
Easy to use Evaluation
Design Lectures
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services
Goldsmiths Society Services Existing Benefits Alumni Discount Scheme Interested in further study? Want to develop your knowledge and skills? Why not come back and study? The College has introduced a special discount on tuition fees for all former students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, DipHE or postgraduate taught programme at Goldsmiths, and who now wish to progress to a different postgraduate degree. In order to apply for the reduced tuition fee, you will need to have been accepted on to your intended programme of study and to satisfy all the normal academic admissions criteria, as well as all the conditions of enrolment and registration set down by the College. The Scheme will involve the following discount on the appropriate tuition fee levied on the first year of attendance of the programme (and not any subsequent or repeat year): UK students Students who pay the Home or EU fee: a reduction of £250 for full-time or £125 for part-time attendance. International students who pay the overseas fee: a reduction of £500 for full-time or £250 for part-time attendance (regardless of whether the fee for the programme is a ’high’ or ’low’ cost fee). We regret that this scheme cannot be used in conjunction with other sponsorship, scholarship or bursary schemes such as Research Council scholarships, Overseas Agency or Government scholarships, ORS scholarships, by students supported by their employer for professional development programmes, by students intending to pursue a PGCE, or by students in receipt of any other discount or scholarship scheme offered by the College. The discount can only be applied to the tuition fees and cannot be used to cover any other programme-related expenses (eg residential costs, materials or membership fees). For more information on how to claim your discount, please contact Steven Edwards, Fees and Awards, Room 123 Main Building or e-mail s.edwards@gold.ac.uk
Library access Alumni can gain access to the College’s library, and are allowed reference use of the library’s books and periodicals. Further information about how to apply, and facilities available, are on the website at http://libweb.gold.ac.uk/homelinks/alumni.php. The library will normally issue a one-day ticket, repeated up to three times a term, or you can apply in writing to use the library for a more sustained period.
In touch If you would like us to help you to make contact with lost friends, we can help by passing on your letters or e-mail address to fellow members of the Society. Your search can also be featured in future editions of Goldlink or on the website Message Board, to see if others know of their whereabouts.
Careers advice Do you have vacancies to fill? Can you spare time to join the careers network, and talk to current students about your own job? The Careers Service would like to hear from you. If you can help in any way, please contact Claire Norden, Alumni & Events Officer who will pass on your details on to the Careers Service.
Goldsmiths Reconnected Log on and register at www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni and click on Goldsmiths Reconnected. Once registered, you can update your details online, gain access to information about other graduates and receive advanced information about College news and events. We hope that this will supplement the more traditional ways we currently keep in touch with you.
Society web pages Transcripts If you have lost your certificate or require a transcript or official verification of your qualifications, please visit www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/registry and click on Transcripts and Archives, for the official request form and details of the charges. Requests are dealt with in strict date order and may take up to 3 weeks to process. At busy times of the year, summer examination results will take priority over requests for archive information. Alternatively you can contact Ian Sortwell, Student Records Office, tel 020 7919 7292 or e-mail student-records@gold.ac.uk for further information.
www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni/ Visit the website, e-mail contributions for Goldlink at the touch of a button, or leave messages on the Message Board for other alumni to read. You can find out how to get news of forthcoming events, information about library access and transcripts, get signed up to receive Goldlink and read through past editions, and see old and recent photos of College life. We’d also love to hear from any other former students, not already in contact with the Society. If you know of anyone, please ask them to e-mail us directly, or pass their contact details to us (ask their permission first, please!). The Society is free to join; we will make contact with them directly.
‘One of the most influential think tanks in the world ... it’s quite impossible to dismiss the work of Chatham House’ BBC 1 News, July 2005
‘Europe’s leading foreign policy think tank’ The Guardian, August 2005
‘Britain’s premier foreign affairs institution’ Noam Chomsky, The Independent, August 2005
‘Britain’s most authoritative think tank’ Daily Mail, July 2005
Independent thinking on international affairs Chatham House, home of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, has teamed up with The Goldsmiths Society to offer former students discounted membership from 1 January 2006. Chatham House will waive the one-off joining fee on all membership applications from Goldsmiths alumni. This is a discount of £30 on under 30s membership – £90 instead of £120 and £50 on full membership – £195 instead of £245.
Photography and Design by Matt Link
Attend events with speakers such as President Yushchenko of the Ukraine, read about the real issues behind the G8 summit, access one of the most extensive collections on international affairs through the Chatham House Library, keep up to date with forthcoming members‘ events through the members‘ zone of the Chatham House website. For further information and an application form, contact Charlotte Armah, Membership Relations Manager, Chatham House on +44 (0) 20 7957 5721 or carmah@chathamhouse.org.uk. Alternatively, you can visit the Chatham House website at www.chathamhouse.org.uk/membershippartner and apply online.
www.chathamhouse.org.uk
Goldsmiths Reconnected Update your details online and receive information about College news and events
www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni Keeping you in touch with Goldsmiths