Gallery 6 Work produced when an art student.

Looking Back at Student Days

This page is something of a retrospective gallery showing examples of Ian's work when an art student at Bath Academy of Art. The photographs are of his final degree show before graduation in 1976. Clear links can be seen between his work then and now. As you can see Ian's interest in architecture, particularly buildings in disrepair and neglect has been lifelong and continues to this day.

Bath Academy of Art

Ian studied Ceramics at Bath Academy of Art from 1972 to 1976 in the days when it was located at Corsham in Wiltshire. An idyllic setting sadly not enjoyed by present day students as the art school moved back to the city of Bath in the 80s. Ian looks back with great affection to his days at BAA as it was commonly known. Part of the academy was located at Corsham Court, a rather splendid stately home complete with peacocks on the lawn. The studios were located nearby at Beechfield in what had once been an army camp. The army huts had become the studios but the site also included a rather splendid old house and stable block which housed much of the ceramics department. The photographs on this page show Ian's degree show which was staged at yet another splendid BAA property - Monks Park.

Degree Show

Ian Beamish's Degree Show at Bath Academy of Art 1976

Each student was not only responsible for producing the art work but also preparing and creating their exhibition. Traditionally, final arrangement of the exhibition continued well into the small hours of the day the examiners were due. 1976 was no exception to this and what you see in this photograph was just one of countless arrangements that preceded it.

Where are they now?

Ian Beamish's Degree Show at Bath Academy of Art 1976

Students were permitted to sell their work once it opened to the public. Ian was fortunate enough to sell a number of pieces but, with the passing of the years, has not the slightest idea where most of them are now. If you know differently do contact us:

2ianb@thehousepottery.com

Now and Then

Degree Show Pot by Ian Beamish

When Ian started The House Pottery in 2005, he decided that he would explore again some of the ideas that had inspired him as a student. This explains why you may feel that some of the pieces on this page are strangely familiar and similar to his present day work. Having retraced old footsteps, so to speak, Ian is moving on to explore new ideas and sources of inspiration.

BAA Website

Degree Show Pot by Ian Beamish

Bath Academy of Art, its foundation and subsequent achievements are of international renown and certainly form a significant chapter in the history of art education. A fellow student at Bath Academy of Art , Gerry McFarlane maintains an excellent website all about its days at Corsham, Wiltshire. It is certainly well worth a visit. Find Gerry's site at:

http://www.baacorsham.co.uk/

Of Staff and Students

Degree Show Pot by Ian Beamish

Ian was privileged to be taught by a number of well-known tutors at Bath Academy of Art including John Colbeck (Head of Department at the time), David Green and Bryan Newman.

Students at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham have gone on in vast numbers to build successful careers in the arts. See Gerry’s website at http://www.baacorsham.co.uk/ for comprehensive coverage of Internet links to the sites of ex-students.

Bath School of Art and Design

Degree Show Pot by Ian Beamish

When Bath Academy of Art finally closed its doors at Corsham in Wiltshire it returned to the city of Bath. Now known as the Bath School of Art and Design more information can be found on the website at:

http://art.bathspa.ac.uk/

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The House Pottery

When We Were Young

Visit the Bath Academy of Art Website

Looking Back at Student Days

Bath Academy of Art