Art school

Personally, no, but I had a friend, when we were leaving school in the early sixties, who wanted to apply to the college of art. She was very talented, but her parents weren't keen and her teachers kept telling her it wouldn't lead to a worthwhile career, so she didn't go in the end. She went to secretarial college instead like the rest of us typewriter fodder. My neice's daughter has an HNC in graphic design, but found it very difficult to find a job where she could use it. She now manages a gym! When I took my eleven plus, I sat a test in painting and drawing at a local grammar school which was also an art school. I did well in this test, but failed my eleven plus because I was so poor at maths and problem solving. I don't know whether, if I had gone, it would have led to any art-related career. A boy I know who went because of his interest in art ended up being an aeronautical engineer. Did you go, BBbevan?

I've an older friend who went to art school in the 50s. She designed some of the chocolate boxes and Easter egg packages of the 60s. Now she paints for her own pleasure and can also turn her hand to intricate medieval style page borders and illustrations.

My brother went to Rochester Art School. He went on to be an advertising executive.
I wish I'd had the talent

I went to The Central School of Art in the 60's. I was lucky enough to have a very successful career as a textile designer, which I loved. I was expected by my extended family to apply for teacher training college or university & follow in the tradition of the females on both sides of the family, to become a teacher. They were quite sniffy of my choice of going to art school, but were rather impressed when I was accepted by Central ! When I had my children I was able to go as a freelance designer.

I was at school in the 60s but wish I'd thought about art school when my turn came...life might have been very different!

Going to art college was a potential option, however I chose another professionas a career but the 'art' never left me.
I used to do posters for dances and social events and now have a large body of artwork, two of which are currently in an exhibition.

I was at Art School in the 60's Still probably the best 4 years of my life. I went on to design record shops for EMI. My school was a bit appalled because I wasn't going to University Joelise but I had a very supportive art teacher and both my parents were artists so it was no contest.

Had a really productive time when we lived in Cornwall but I haven't done much lately. Must make an effort!

I had no talent for art, but can't remember any of my cohort who had being encouraged in any way - it was all banking, teaching, medicine at my school. My best friend at school had a lot of talent, but was persuaded to channel it into an architectural degree, which she hated and dropped out of. Even more recently, some of my own children's friends were told they wouldn't get financial support from their parents if they went to Art School. It's very sad. My DD2 went to Glasgow School of Art and loved every minute - she's now a graphic designer and really enjoys her work. And of course it's something she could do freelance if she chooses to later.

One of DD's friends wanted to go to Art School in the early 90's but her father wouldn't let her. When I suggested that it was quite a respectable thing to do her mother said "Not if you come from Edinburgh!" Heaven knows what they would have thought of my mother being allowed to go in the 30's!

My MIL went to Glasgow Art School on the 30's, quite unusual for the Ayrshire farming family she came from.
Her youngest, my sis-in-law went to Corsham in Wiltshire (Bath?) in the 70's and our DD went to Wimbledon in the 90's.
However, the 60's? My oldest school friend was at Edinburgh in the 60's. Why do you ask, bBevan?

I have no artistic talent at all.
A close friend went to Dundee School of Art, tho. Having originally wanted to study architecture, she settled for town planning, then left the course at the end of her 2nd year to get married and move to where her new husband's job was to be (he having finished the full 3 years, of course.)

I went to art school in 1970 to study Fine Art. I realised that it probably wasn't going to get me a great career! So left after a year.

I then went to Uni and studied English, became a teacher and did a MA in SEN education. Now in retirement I have gone back to my love of design and am just about to finish a post grad in Interior Design!

Never too late!

x

my Art Teachers DD was in my class at Grammar School so we got lots of encouragement , I loved it but was told I had a tiny talent so went a different path . When I started working I went to evening Art Classes , the teacher there said I was good enough for Art College , but it was too late by then . I still paint and love sewing Knitting and Card Making so have lots of fun with my arty side

I went to Art school for a year doing what was then known as a Pre-Diploma course at the end of which you were supposed to apply to do your degree in an area of your choice. Unfortunately I discovered music, night clubs and parties so dropped out with very little work done. When I eventually settled down a bit I did a teaching course. I still paint and draw but just as a hobby.

"Deedaa" I haven't done much lately either, I feel quite guilty about it, must take my sketch book on holiday this year ! I had a great art teacher at school too, it makes a great difference. DD was thinking of doing architecture when she was at school, unfortunately she had a new art teacher who she couldn't abide, so gave up art. She became a lawyer, but is very artistic & creative , & is a whiz at cake decorating !

I always have a small sketch book in my handbag and take a larger one on holiday, in fact my pencil case and a sketch pad are my 'must pack' items.

I may only do one intensive drawing whilst away but I find it more satisfying than the plethora of photos that I may take during the course of the holiday.

I really enjoyed 'The Story of Scottish Art' that was on BBC4 recently. The Glasgow School of Art was a trend-setter in admitting women students.

There must be a lot of us who haven't picked up a pencil/paintbrush for a while! I have a box full of art materials and paper upstairs in the spare bedroom, including a pack of very good oil tubes that DH bought me for Christmas a few years ago and I never got round to using them. How long do these things stay usable? In a fit of uncharacteristic generosity, I gave all my watercolour pencils to my SGS when he was doing his art A level (he is now studying Art History at uni). I always take a pad and paints on holiday but, to my shame, can't remember the past time I used them.

Me too, Greyduster. I just carry them around with good intentions but...

I haven't done anything for ages , but last night my 12 year old granddaughter was here. We did printing! I'd been at a Parent/teacher night and they had art work on show . It was inspiring , so we hauled all the old art supplies out . Supplies supplies - our prints looked great . There's no stopping us now !