Foundation Courses were first established in the U.K. more than 40 years ago and were intended to fulfil two main functions. Firstly, they were designed to act as a general introduction to both Art and Design and ideally supply a solid grounding in both the practical and theoretical skills that underpin a broad range of creative endeavour. Secondly, as a result of this they should provide an experience that enables students to make informed choices about progression to higher education and subsequently their careers. 

Changes in funding over the years have, it must be said, made it difficult for many schools to maintain the resources and staffing levels that make this programme practically achievable, at least in the manner that it was originally conceived. I feel that I have been fortunate that the almost unique status that City and Guilds enjoys has allowed me to continue to provide a course that, I hope, lives up to the idealism that was behind the decisions that led to the formation of Foundation Courses in this country.

Although the day-to-day organisation, administration and development of the Foundation Course can be a very time consuming commitment I believe that it is very important for me to maintain studio contact with students and I continue to think of myself as an artist/teacher rather than as an administrator. To this end I always timetable myself to work alongside the dedicated team of teaching staff that I have assembled.

When I can I also continue to develop my own work and am at the moment involved in research into the use of drawing as an exploratory thinking tool.

Born 1954 – St Albans

Education:
1971-73 – St Albans School of Art
1973-76 – Liverpool Polytechnic, Faculty of Art and Design, BA hons, 1st class (commended)
1976-79 – Royal Academy Schools

One-man shows include:

Bury City Art Gallery and Museum
Hertfordshire University Gallery
Barnet Community Arts Centre

Group Shows include:

Various Royal Academy Summer Shows
Liverpool Academy Galleries (Drawings)
Royal Festival Hall (The Spirit of London)
Royal College of Art