KBGS Old Boys' Forum

A place to discuss Keighley Boys' Grammar School. 


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KBGS Old Boys' Forum
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Re: Were there any famous KBGS artists?

Two artists who attended Keighley Boys’ Grammar School and who have made their mark in the world of art, both came from Sutton in Craven. The following article was published after one of them, Brian Hargreaves, died about 7 years ago.

RYE artist Brian Hargreaves has died aged 76 following a heart-attack on September 30. He lived at Playden with wife Joyce, also an artist and author, and was an active member of Iden and Playden Garden Society. Brian was the foremost butterfly artist in the country, illustrating the Collins Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Europe, published in nine languages, He was commissioned by the Royal Entomological Society to paint butterflies in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and his work was presented to the Queen on her Silver and Golden wedding anniversary. His illustrations grace postage stamps from all over the world. Brian’s work gained him international recognition, following radio and television broadcasts. He was born in Sutton-in-Craven, Yorkshire, went to Keighley Grammar School and trained at Keighley School of Arts and Crafts and Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, where he met wife Joyce. After gaining a National Diploma of Design, he worked for a number of years restoring well-known churches of London, cathedrals from all over the country and the Houses of Parliament. His crowning achievement was gilding the ball and cross on top of St Paul’s Cathedral.

The other Sutton lad who has earned a significant place in the art world is Allan Laycock who was born in 1928 and who is still working in the Gloucestershire area. In fact Allan held an Exhibition of his work earlier this year to mark his 90th birthday. Allan works mainly in acrylic. He features in ‘Who’s Who in British Art.

Whilst neither of these two old boys could compete with Hockney, both, I think, could be classed as famous.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Were there any famous KBGS artists?

Many thanks Denis. I am quite fond of natural history painting. In fact the most expensive book ever sold at auction is a an American bird book with exceptional original paintings contained within.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1961-1969

Current location (optional) Deep South

Re: Were there any famous KBGS artists?

Interested in Natural History paintings eh? Well, there’s another painter from Sutton who specialises in that kind of work, and whilst not a Keighley Boys Grammar School old boy, he did get tuition (i’m pretty certain) from Harry Harpin. His name is David Binns and he still lives on Boundary Avenue, Sutton. David is a professional artist who has won many awards, particularly from the Society of Wild Life Artists. He and Brian Hargreaves were neighbours as youngsters and both had early instruction from David’s father, Dan Binns. The lessons lasted for an hour and a half and cost 6 pence a session. How do I know this? I attended the same classes myself. I have refrained from categorising myself as ‘famous’. Perhaps that accolade might accrue when i’ve popped off. And who knows, perhaps the recently published book of my artwork could be selling in a few years time at world record prices, though I very much doubt it!.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Were there any famous KBGS artists?

Some of our contributors may have noted a full page article in last Thursday's Keighley News(18th April), on our former Art Teacher Hildreth(Harry)Harpin. The article appears on the "Down Memory Lane" page which was written up by an ex-KBGS old boy, Ian Dewhirst, for a good number of years until his untimely death earlier this year. There are some photographs of 'Harry' and paintings by him, all of which are replicated on the Keighley News website should you wish to visit same. A condensed version of the newspaper article also appears on the website, detailing his death in 1987, in Assisi,Italy.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley