The Log Magazine 2016 by Queen's Gate School

Queen’s Gate Alumnae Magazine Nº 93 · 2016 the 125 th Anniversary Edition

D e d i c at i o n

Dedicated to the memory of Miss Elizabeth de Leeuw 12 October 1943 – 13 June 2014

Miss Elizabeth de Leeuw, who sadly died in 2014, is a unique figure in the annals of Queen’s Gate School; she was a pupil, Head Girl and subsequently History of Art teacher and Senior Mistress. She was much loved and respected for her wit, wisdom and caring pastoral concern. Those girls and teachers who were fortunate enough to accompany her on her many school trips to Rome, Florence and Venice will never forget the meticulous care with which she organised and conducted these occasions, as well as her boundless energy, knowledge and enthusiasm. Her fortitude and strong faith enabled her to carry on teaching in spite of many debilitating health problems. In her retirement she devoted her time to organising events for the Old Girls’ Association and researching the history of our school. Her book, Queen’s Gate: an Unschooly School, is essential reading for anyone with an association to Queen’s Gate. Her dedication and contribution to the life of the School were both outstanding and inspirational. Angela Holyoak, a former Principal, wrote, ‘Elizabeth’s knowledge, enthusiasm and gifts as a teacher inspired pupils, colleagues and friends with a love of Art History which, for many, became a career and for all, a lifelong interest. She will be greatly missed both as a friend and mentor. Queen’s Gate is indebted to her’. We honour her memory and exemplary dedication to the life of the School. Mrs Naomi Clear Teacher of Religious Studies, Latin & English 3

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Principal’s foreword

Dear Readers, It gives me much pleasure to welcome you all to the 125th Anniversary edition of The Log. As many of you may know, The Log is a long-held tradition within our school and was launched by Miss Douglas, successor to our founder Miss Wyatt, in 1899. In recent years The Log has not appeared, as other forms of communication have been introduced. However, it would be a shame to lose such a tradition. Although we are a forward-looking community abundant with the spirit and energy of the 21st century, we also take pride in our history and traditions, and The Log is one of those fine traditions. It is fitting, therefore, that following our 125th Anniversary year, The Log is relaunched and will now continue as a regular publication. In the Chronicle of 1899, Miss Douglas wrote of the school magazine: ‘Let it be a nautical name, for the School with its youthful crew sails sometimes

with the wind, sometimes against it, but it sails, it does not drift or lie at anchor. We launch our little craft and we inscribe on its counter its name, The Log. For, like the seaman’s log, it will contain the details of the voyage, the course set, the strength and force of the wind and the progress we make.’ Much has changed over the years, but Queen’s Gate remains a vibrant community with a real sense of purpose, a community which takes pride in tradition and, at the same time, embraces challenges and opportunities as we prepare our girls for life in the 21st century. I hope that you will all enjoy reading The Log and, as you journey through its pages, you will see that we certainly do not ‘drift or lie at anchor’ – the good ship ‘Queen’s Gate’ continues to sail on with confidence and pride. Mrs R. M. Kamaryc Principal Queen’s Gate School

Front

Editors’ welcome

Dear Readers, Welcome to our new-look edition of The Log, relaunched for our special 125th Anniversary year. The External Relations department at Queen’s Gate was set up in 2015 with the aim of forwarding the work of Communications, Events and Alumnae Relations at the School, bringing together all the members of the Queen’s Gate Community. The department is formed of Alumnae Relations, Events and Fundraising Officer, Mrs Hannah Thackwray, and Communications Officer, Miss Amy Hinds. The two of us also work closely with the School’s Archivist, Miss Cristina Podavitte, and together we shall be working on each magazine, bringing you all the news from alumnae, the Archives and the School, interviews with Old Girls and lots of dates for your diary! We’re lucky to have met and worked with some of you already during the School’s special 125th Anniversary celebrations, which have included the Anniversary Ball, Anniversary Church Service, Garden

Party, a professional theatre production and an outstanding exhibition of our fascinating history. Queen’s Gate Old Girls now have a dedicated area on the School’s website – head to page 23 to find out more on this development. In 2016, we also launched the Digital Archives, where anyone can view photographs and old editions of The Log. Turn to page 24 to find out more about the Digital Archives and submitting your photographs and memories. We’re really keen to hear from you all and there are several ways you can get in touch with us. We are particularly keen to get updated email addresses, so do drop us a quick line and we can add this information to our new, secure alumnae database. We love hearing all your news and what you’re up to now, so please keep in contact! Hannah & Amy External Relations department Queen’s Gate School 5

How to stay in touch group /queensgateschool /133queensgate @queens_gate linkedin.com/groups/4793868 Email alumnae@queensgate.org.uk Telephone 020 7584 5673

Queen’s Gate School 133 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5LE queensgate.org.uk

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Contents

Alumnae news

Old Girl Update

FRONT Dedication to Miss Elizabeth de Leeuw

Principal’s foreword

Editors’ welcome

The Blooming Queen Alisa Lambina, og 2003–10

The Queen of Cakes Nicky Tesler, og 2007–14

The Review A Queen’s sense of tumour The Class of 2011

The School with its youthful crew sails sometimes with the wind, sometimes against it, but it sails, it does not drift or lie at anchor A year in the life of Queen’s Gate, bursting with culture, sport, exploration, learning and high achievement

The Principal’s foreword

C o n te n ts

Features

The School’s archival records … provide a fascinating picture of the development of the School within ‘the changing values of a changing world’

A Voyage of Discovery

The School Archives

We delve into the School’s history books at a fascinating 125th Anniversary exhibition, Inside the Archives Alumnae Network Join the new online network to find old friends and keep in touch with the School

Anniversary Concert

The School Archives

Lulu Guinness

The School launches its Digital Archives for the Queen’s Gate Community

The fashion designer and Old Girl talks about what Queen’s Gate meant to her

Spotlight on Science

The Back Pages Queen’s Gate girls past and present star in a one-off musical extravaganza

A look back at how Science has flourished at Queen’s Gate throughout its history 7

Announcements

Dates for your diary

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Each academic year brings with it an extremely busy schedule of lessons, clubs, sports, trips and, of course, examinations. In 2016, the School was even busier, celebrating its 125th Anniversary as well as carrying on with daily life.

The Review In a year which saw Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday, four centuries of William Shakespeare’s legacy, the Rio 2016 Olympics, the referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union and the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, 2016 reminded us, that throughout history mankind has always rallied in the wake of upheaval, and has a boundless capacity for remarkable achievements.

To read more about what’s happening in school, visit the Queen’s Gate homepage for the latest news or queensgate.org.uk/qgnews to view the termly magazine. If you would like to receive the print edition of QG News, please contact Amy Hinds: comms@queensgate.org.uk 8

Teacher Alex Selkirk shows off the new Chemistry lab during HRH The Duchess of Cornwall’s February visit

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Academic & Co-curricular

above Maha Alyami delivering QG’s opening speech at WesMUN 2016 top Auschwitz Concentration Camp captured by Arina and Isabel right Representing Poland at the Benenden MUN

Girls and staff worked hard during the year, not only on the examination syllabi, but also in the many opportunities provided for enrichment. We were very pleased with the girls’ results at A Level and GCSE. At A Level, almost 50% of the results were A or A*, and girls have taken up places at universities in the US and the UK, reading a variety of subjects including dentistry, biological sciences, physics, law, history and economics. Others are pursuing foundation art courses and several are enjoying planned gap years. At GCSE, girls achieved the highest percentage of A*s on record – nearly 50%. Three quarters of candidates gained at least nine As or A*s and three girls achieved all A*s. Early entry candidates taking GCSE also fared well, with almost every result an A or A*. In the Junior School, III Form girls were offered places not only at Queen’s Gate Senior School, but also Godolphin and Latymer, Latymer Upper, Francis Holland, Wimbledon High, Kingston 10

Grammar, Benenden, St Swithun’s, Wycombe Abbey and St Mary’s Ascot. Opportunities for academic enrichment abounded in both the Junior and Senior Schools. In February, Sixth Form pupils Arina Bykova and Isabel Steele were chosen to take part in the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz project, where they visited the Auschwitz concentration camp and wrote a thought-provoking report about the lessons that can be learnt from such atrocities.

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Debating continues to impress throughout the School and pupils have taken part in Model United Nations events at Westminster School (WesMUN), Benenden School and Royal Russell School. The QG teams have successfully represented the UAE, Poland and Ethiopia. During the time when Tim Peake, Britain’s first ESA astronaut, was in space, our annual Science Week in the Junior and Senior Schools saw pupils stargazing at an indoor planetarium, dissecting sheep brains, watching ‘medi-evil’ medicine shows, and learning how planes fly. A highlight of the week for all pupils was meeting a Harris Hawk, Barn Owl, Peregrine Falcon and a Bald Eagle when they visited the School. Younger pupils were amazed by the size of the birds, and

were able to watch as they flew around the Hall with ease and grace. In June, UVI pupil and Prefect, Ingrid Easton (now OG 2009–16), collected the prestigious Prince Philip and Marsh Prize from the Zoological Society of London for a study she completed on wormeries. This year’s Extended Project presentations (EPQ ) took place in October. Four girls explored topics such as fracking, the influence of chaebols on the South Korean economy, and economic sanctions in Russia, in front of a panel, as well as friends and family. The 2016 Value Added results showed Queen’s Gate came fifth in the country at GCSE, adding one grade per subject taken, and placed in the top four per cent in the country at A Level, adding two extra grades to girls’ results. 11

top left Dr Guy Sutton delivering his lecture on the brain top right The Senior School girls meeting Alaska, the Bald Eagle

above Ingrid Easton collecting her ZSL prize with Dr Lee

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Art & Design

Lara Savill

A selection of GCSE and A Level artwork on display at the exhibition

Olivia Breibart

Greta Farrell

Tara Garigue

The 2016 Art and Design Technology Exhibition was of an excellent standard, with a larger range of pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work on show than ever before. A Level pupils presented their personal investigation projects, which resulted in a number of differing ideas and outcomes. The Art department is hoping to find a gallery space in London for their 2017 exhibition. 12

Lara Savill

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February saw the Drama and Music departments come together to work on the musical Merrily We Roll Along as part of the 125th Anniversary celebrations. Senior School girls performed on their first professional stage at RADA’s Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre in Bloomsbury. The singers, dancers and actors of Queen’s Gate showcased the impressive talent amongst our young artistes. Elsewhere in the Music department the run up to Christmas saw the Junior and Senior School choirs again invited to feature at the Kids for Kids Candlelit Carol Concert in St Peter’s Church, Eaton Square.

In Drama, performances for GCSE and A Level examinations included Promise, Living with Lady Macbeth, A Month in the Country and Electric Eel. Also in the Senior School the LIV performed Alice to rave reviews. Over in the Junior School the annual Nativity was enjoyed by staff and parents, and the school play was Riverbank Tales, an adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows. III Form also performed at the Shaw Theatre, Euston, as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival in November. Their adaptation of Romeo and Juliet as cats was enjoyed immensely. 13

James Berry Photography

Drama & Music

Clockwise from top left The Nativity 2016; LIV’s Alice; III Form’s feline Romeo and Juliet; Merrily We Roll Along at RADA’s Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre

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Sport

2016 saw Team GB’s most successful Olympic games to date in Rio, Olympian Sally Gunnell, obe, visiting the School and Andy Murray winning Wimbledon for the second time, ending the year as world number one and being knighted. It was wonderful to see QG girls taking inspiration from these British sporting heroes by gaining their own National titles in both the Biathle and Biathlon. LIV’s Isla Wallrock and Form IV’s Zoe Auld, Katya Maclennan and Sabrina Mannes Diaz de Cerio were crowned U13 Team Champions at the Pentathlon GB British Schools’ Modern Biathlon Championships in March. Zoe and Sabrina, along with Isabel Rondinelli, also took first place as the Year 8 Team in the National Schools’ Biathle in June. The Virgin London Mini Marathon 2016 had seven Queen’s

Gate entrants, with U17s Antonia Bryceson, Marina Parili-Ocampo and Alexandra Sapte, U15s Amandine Bodet Lefevre and Iona Pernthaller and U13s Sabrina Mannes Diaz de Cerio and Isla Wallrock all running the three-mile road race. Head of Art, Sasha Mataya, ran the main London Marathon event, completing the course in 6 hours 36 minutes. The Junior and Senior Schools both saw fencing success in 2016, with Form IV pupil Patrycja Krzyzaniak winning bronze in the U17 age category at the British Cadet Championships, resulting in an offer to represent the Great Britain Cadet International squad, as the youngest member of the team. In the Junior School the U11 Epée team of Claudia Crawford-Brunt, Jimena Calvo Moreno and Harriet Hiller won bronze at the 14

British Team Epée Championships. Harriet also won a bronze medal at the British Youth Championships. Queen’s Gate Old Girl, Ella Dobson (OG 2000–14) was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the London Youth Games Awards Ceremony for her contribution to sport in Kensington and Chelsea. At the time of the awards ceremony, Ella was participating in the World Triathlon Series, ITU Grand Final Cozumel in Mexico, where she finished in an impressive eighth place.

top right The Junior U11 British Team Epée bronze medallists

top left The U13 Biathlon champions following their win

above OG Ella Dobson at the ITU World Series competition

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Trips

Each year the girls are extremely fortunate to have an array of trips on offer, both at home and abroad, to enhance their learning. Sixteen girls of mixed ages travelled to Panorama in the Canadian Rockies to ski for a week in February. Other overseas trips have seen the Senior School travel to Reykjavik, Normandy and Berlin. Trips a little closer to home included the UV heading out on the Principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outing, where they found themselves kayaking and raft-building at the Lea Valley Olympic White Water Centre, the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award candidates orienteering in West Sussex and drama pupils visiting a number of shows including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The Junior School girls also enjoyed a wide range of outings including the Fire! Fire! exhibition at the Museum of London, the Globe Theatre and the British Museum. Residential trips included the LIV glamping in Dorset, III Form enjoying a week in York, IIA exploring the Isle of Wight and IIB visiting New Barn. 15

Clockwise from top The LIV enjoying the Dorset beach during their glamping trip; UV white water rafting at Lea Valley; Girls enjoying the snow and sun during their trip to Iceland; Genevieve Coben on the ski slopes of Panorama

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In January, the 125th Anniversary Ball at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone launched the special events for the year. During the evening guests were treated to a three-course meal, a live and silent auction and dancing. The Ball raised over £65,000 for the School’s Bursary Fund. Queen’s Gate Old Girl, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (OG c. 1957– 63), visited in February, and officially opened the newly-refurbished Science Laboratories. The Duchess took part in scientific experiments, unveiled a plaque, cut a special anniversary cake and spoke with staff and pupils. The Duchess also told an audience of guests about her time at the School and the fond memories she has of being at Queen’s Gate. This wasn’t the only royal event that took place in 2016, as HM The Queen celebrated her 90th birthday and 64 years on the throne, and the QG Junior girls took the opportunity to

dress up in their favourite regal outfits as part of these celebrations. Girls also sent drawings and photographs to the Queen in handmade birthday cards. They were delighted to receive acknowledgement from the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, expressing Her Majesty’s thanks for the cards. In May and July respectively, the Senior and Junior Schools each travelled back to 1892 for a Victorian Day. In the Senior School, following a special assembly, girls had Victorian lessons, took part in a dancing workshop, played Victorian games and visited an old-fashioned sweetie shop. The Junior School had a fun afternoon at a Victorian Fair in Stanhope Gardens, where they enjoyed a coconut shy, strongman competition, ice-cream and a Punch and Judy show. The traditional Teddy Bears’ Picnic was held in the Junior School to welcome the girls who would begin in Preliminary 16

left Former Head Girls Yumna Kamel and Veronica AllaraCarlin (Class of 2015) with Mr Alter, Dr Lee, Mrs Kamaryc and Mr Crundwell at the Anniversary Ball

above Punch & Judy entertain the Junior School below QG Old Girls enjoying the Anniversary Garden Party

in September. Each girl was presented with a ‘Welcome to Preliminary’ teddy bear, celebrating not only the start of their Queen’s Gate careers, but marking the 125th intake of pupils to the School. The final event before the Summer holidays was the 125th Anniversary Garden Party, where Old Girls, parents and staff came together in Stanhope Gardens for an evening of champagne, canapés and sunshine.

125th Anniversary

above The Combined Chamber Choir performs at the 125th Anniversary Concert

left Louise Douglas, née Wilkinson, (og 1993–98) lights an anniversary candle

Wednesday 21 September marked 125 years to the day since the School opened its doors. The momentous occasion was celebrated by bringing together the School community to fill Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road for the 125th Anniversary Church Service. During the service girls recounted why Queen’s Gate is so special to them, and performances from the School’s choirs were enjoyed by the congregation. A specially-made candle holder took centre stage in the church, and 12 candles were lit by pupils, staff, Old Girls, governors, parents and friends. This poignant moment reflected the huge appreciation that the

right Current pupils enjoy the Inside the Archives exhibition

whole community feels for our special school. Following the service there was a reception in the Senior School, with a beautiful four-tiered cake, made by Old Girl Nicky Tesler (see page 21), cut by Principal Mrs Kamaryc and Senior School Head Girl, Poppy Hooper. A few weeks later, on Wednesday 12 October, the School hosted the 125th Anniversary Concert. The first of its kind, the concert format celebrated the musical talents of current pupils and Old Girls, as they came together to form the Combined Chamber Choir. Solo and group performances wowed the packed Hall, and we hope that this partnership between pupils and Old Girls will be 17

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nurtured and furthered in the future (see page 32). The final anniversary event of the year was Inside the Archives: 125 years of Queen’s Gate, an exhibition documenting the history of South Kensington and Queen’s Gate School. On Monday 14 November, members of both the School and local community enjoyed an evening of discovery and stories, and heard talks from historians. Turn to page 26 to read more about this unique and special evening. Inside the Archives marked the end of a year of extraordinary events, and a huge thanks goes from the School to everyone who has been involved, attended and fundraised throughout this year, helping us to celebrate this hugely special occasion.

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Charity

Charity efforts in both the Junior and the Senior Schools continue to be a key focus. Our popular Age UK lunches have continued each Thursday, with their annual Tea Dance taking place in June and their Christmas lunch in December. In January, the LIV arranged a Make and Buy Sale and raised £586.06 for the Cambodian orphanage which Queen’s Gate supports annually. In February, Sixth Formers and staff took to the catwalk for the annual Pink Fashion Show in aid of Cancer Research UK, raising £316.05. The Junior School held an array of events, raising an impressive £2,893 for LEPRA and £960 for Macmillan Cancer Support. In April, the Junior and Senior School libraries raised an incredible £5,686.06 for the Readathon charity, getting girls of all ages reading a wide variety of literature. Other charity events this year have included PE events for Sport Relief, a Macmillan Cancer Support World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and Jeans for Genes days. Over the 2015/16 Academic year a fantastic £18,070 was raised by our wonderful pupils.

top Sixth Formers and guests having fun during the Age UK Tea Dance above LIV pupils at their Make and Buy Sale left Mr Maclean and Mr Mocci showing off their beautiful outfits at the Pink Fashion Show 18

A lum n ae News

Alumnae News Catch up with our Old Girls who have launched successful businesses, and meet the group of friends challenging the conventions of cancer research fundraising

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The Blooming Queen

Alisa Lambina, OG 2003–10

above & below Two of Alisa’s recent floral arrangements

Alisa Lambina is a bespoke florist and owner of T Haus. After leaving Queen’s Gate in 2010, Alisa went on to do an art foundation degree at the City and Guilds of London Art School. She then studied floral design at the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers where she discovered her passion for floristry. ‘Arranging flowers is not dissimilar to painting’ Alisa says, ‘It is all about the use of colour, texture and form and in that sense, no two designs are ever identical’. Working with ever-changing seasonal flowers, handpicked at dawn from the New Covent Garden Flower Market, Alisa creates exciting floral arrangements that are unique to each client. In 2015, Alisa founded her company T Haus, and clients include Paul & Joe, Stella McCartney and William Yeoward. She is currently working from a studio in Islington as she searches for a retail space.

left Alisa putting the finishing touches to her fireplace arrangement at the Queen’s Gate 125th Anniversary Ball

Alisa also arranges flowers at Queen’s Gate for special occasions, which included beautiful, bright displays for the 125th Anniversary Ball and Garden Party (both shown above). She firmly believes that ‘fresh flowers are a language like no other; there is so much you can say with a simple hand-tied gesture’. www.t-haus.co.uk @THausBotany 20

A lum n ae News

The Queen of Cakes Nicky Tesler, OG 2007–14

right An example of Nicky’s beautiful handcrafted sugar flowers

Nicky Tesler is the owner of successful bakery, Nicky’s Buttercup Bakery. She started the business whilst taking her GCSEs at Queen’s Gate and, during her A Levels, Nicky passed her MA in Sugarcraft, whilst also achieving several other baking-related diplomas. On leaving school in 2014, Nicky went straight into business pursuing her passion for making bespoke wedding and celebration cakes as well as intricate, beautiful sugar flowers for private clients. Nicky’s success has already led her to bake for the queen of The Great British Bake Off, Mary Berry, be offered work by Michel Roux Jr, win an award at Britain’s biggest baking show, The Cake and Bake Show, and create a cake to celebrate the 3,000th performance of the Michael Jackson show Thriller Live, which was presented on stage in front of the audience. In 2016, Nicky was featured on the front cover of the Evening Standard ES Magazine’s Weekending section, and baked for the launch of a new fragrance by Yardley. She has also baked an array of cakes for Queen’s Gate, including the

cake cut by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at the Official Opening of the Science Laboratories in February 2016 (pictured above). Nicky loves her work and being her own boss. Her ambition is one day to open her own retail outlet. nickysbuttercupbakery.co.uk /nickysbuttercupbakery @nickysbuttercupbakery 21

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A Queen’s sense of tumour The Class of 2011

left The fundraising group selling their merchandise at the Queen’s Gate Christmas Fair 2015 below One of Katy Stubbs’s illustrations of Trevor

India Bhattacharjee, Nessyah Hart, Katy Stubbs, Augusta Anthony, Niamh Mitchell and Penelope du Jeu all left Queen’s Gate in 2011. When a friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015, the group founded the charitable venture Trevor & Friends. The tumour was quickly given an identity and nicknamed Trevor. The naming of Trevor inspired Katy, who studied art in New York, to bring him to life through a series of illustrations. The images depict Trevor in far-away places, alluding to the charity’s mission, which is to ‘Send Trevor Packing.’ The group’s vision is that these humorous illustrations will allow children and adults to talk about this issue in a new way which inspires hope. With their group formed, the dedicated Old Girls went on to research the various charities that worked with brain

tumours. Realising how little funding there was for research, they decided to get involved. A new aim for Trevor & Friends became to increase awareness and raise money for Brain Tumour Research in a positive and unique way. Trevor & Friends is now officially part of the Brain Tumour Research umbrella fundraising group, and raises money by hosting exciting events and selling Trevor-themed merchandise. The founders also get involved in raising money themselves, and in October 2016 Nessyah, India and Penelope ran the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. /Trevorandfriends15 @Trevor_Friends 22

A lum n ae Network

The Old Girl network Keep in touch with the School and former peers via the new Alumnae Network

How to register Sign up for an account at: queensgate.org.uk/the-alumnaenetwork

In September 2015, Queen’s Gate launched its new website (queensgate. org.uk) where you can find all the latest news from the School, as well as the new Digital Archives and information about school life, events and admissions. As part of our continuing online development we launched the Alumnae Network area of the website in September 2016. Once you’ve registered for a login, the Alumnae Network area will enable you to update your contact details, as well as search for other alumnae and reach out to them. The more Old Girls that sign up, the more peers you will be able to find, so do remember to come back and check if you are looking for someone. As our database of information grows and improves, we are also 23

looking to implement an e-newsletter for our Old Girl Community. Please do update your details to ensure we have email contact information as well as a postal address. We don’t want you to miss out on any of our new developments! As always, we welcome any feedback from the Queen’s Gate Community. We would also love to hear any ideas you would like us to implement in the future, whether it is selling merchandise on the site or a particular event you would like to see.

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The Queen’s Gate School Archives

‘Most of you know the history of your school – how the happy family of five girls under Miss Wyatt’s care at Stanhope Gardens grew into numbers that made it necessary to move on to 132 Queen’s Gate, and then 132 and 133 were both occupied to their fullest capacity. The work was full of human love and sympathy; it was bound to widen, and so it came about that two schools grew out of one, and to us at Queen’s Gate has been left a heritage of much value, which we must cherish if we wish to make the present in its final results equal to the past.’ The Log 1903, p. 51

above Cristina at work above right The very first Queen’s Gate School Magazine opposite page: top left The cast of King Rene’s Daughter at the 1905 Queen’s Gate Bazaar top right UVI students in 1997 on the steps of 132 Queen’s Gate

The School’s archival records are of great importance in our determination to keep Queen’s Gate’s ethos, character and uniqueness intact. They also provide a fascinating picture of the development of the School within ‘the changing values of a changing world’ (The Log 1981, p. 3). As members of the Queen’s Gate Community we are all privileged custodians of a heritage in learning, humanity and history, travelling back 125 years. 24

My role as Archivist is to collect, catalogue, store, preserve and make available all information pertaining to the School and its larger community. In March 2016, Queen’s Gate launched the Digital Archives, a new website that explores and documents 125 years of school life, celebrating our identity within the wider world. Photos and magazines about the School’s history have been scanned and collated into a new digital format, to allow Old Girls, parents and friends to access this fascinating information quickly and easily. The work is ongoing, but a good proportion of early material is now available and we will continue to add both functionality and content to the site. The School hopes that the Digital Archives will foster a sense of community and bring together all those

S chool A rchi v es

who have a connection to Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gate, united by their common affection. Above all, we trust it will give you the opportunity to step back in time and relive those cherished experiences and affectionate memories, finding yourself surrounded by familiar names, friends and places. We also hope that you yourself can contribute to the School Archives. Please consider giving to the Archive anything you may have which you would like to see permanently protected, be it documentary, photographic, three-dimensional or anecdotal. Everything will be catalogued, stored and cared for but made available so that future generations can benefit from the generosity of their forebears. You can also contribute to enhancing our present collection by

adding information such as names, places, events and dates to photographs and magazine articles. This can be done by visiting the Digital Archives pages and using the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Add Informationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; function adjacent to each record. We look forward to continuing this historical journey with you all on board.

How to register

Miss Cristina Podavitte School Archivist archive@queensgate.org.uk 25

Instructions on how to sign up for an account can be found at: queensgate.org.uk/the-archives/ the-digital-archives/

Â© DFPhotography

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I n side the A rchi v es e x hibitio n

A voyage of discovery Queen’s Gate’s 125th Anniversary celebrations culminate in a fascinating exhibition that reveals the School’s long and eventful history

The final 125th Anniversary event took place at the Senior School on Monday 14 November. Inside the Archives: 125 years of Queen’s Gate was an exciting endeavour, which saw the Hall and Library transformed into a museum for an evening to exhibit the history of South Kensington, Queen’s Gate and the School from the 1850s to 2000. Old Girls, staff, pupils, former and current parents, and visitors all came to the event to take a journey through the development of the area, the history of the School, and ‘meet’ the former Principals and some of our notable Old Girls. There was also the opportunity to view artefacts from the School Archives including old editions of The Log and school recipe books, with Archivist Cristina on hand to answer any questions. 27

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Alongside the exhibition, a series of talks took place in the White Dining Room, with TV historian, author and consultant, Hallie Rubenhold, launching the evening with an enthralling talk on life in 1890s London. The talk included a look at the very people who lived at 133 Queen’s Gate before it became Miss Wyatt’s school. Chair of the South Kensington and Queen’s Gate Residents Association, Caryl Harris, gave an enjoyable talk on several of Queen’s Gate’s former residents, including comedian and actor Benny Hill, and inventor of the holographic system, Dennis Gabor, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1971. The evening came to a close with a talk by former Headmistress of the Junior School, Nia Webb, who told stories of what the School was like when she arrived in 1975, before looking

further back to the late 19th century, when the School was founded. A special QG Memories Tree was installed in the Black Dining Room, and guests were invited to write their favourite memories of the School or the local area on to leaves which were then added to the tree. This was eagerly taken up by Queen’s Gate Community members of all ages and every memory will aid us in enhancing our School Archives. The event was a great success and guests left with a wealth of QG knowledge. It was particularly lovely to see so many Old Girls during the evening along with their siblings, friends and families. Former Queen’s Gate Head Girl and local historian, Carrie Starren (og 1955–65)enthused, ‘Everything was so interesting and I learnt a lot. I was particularly impressed 28

by the exhibition – marvellous work. I have provided content for quite a few, but rarely seen materials displayed so well.’ If you missed the exhibition this time around, then have no fear! We are currently exploring a repeat of Inside the Archives in 2017. To be kept up to date with new developments, please email events@queensgate.org.uk.

Memories If you have any stories about your time at Queen’s Gate, please share them with us by email: alumnae@queensgate.org.uk

I n side the A rchi v es e x hibitio n

‘Everything was so interesting and I learnt a lot. I was particularly impressed with the exhibition – marvellous work’

Carrie Starren (OG 1955–65) Former Head Girl

top Visitors enjoying the exhibition

above TV historian Hallie Rubenhold delivers her talk right Alumnae Amanda Lord (og 1976–81) and Pippa Chapman, née Macmillan, (og 1975–81) explore old editions of The Log

opposite page Junior School teacher Charlotte Makhlouf, née Owen, (og 1969–75) reads up on other former pupils

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Bags of talent One of just 30 boarders at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gate in the late 1970s, fashion designer Lulu Guinness, OBE, joined the School in the Sixth Form. We were intrigued to find out a little more about the influence Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gate and London had on the making of this fashion icon

O l d G i r l P r o f i l e · Lu lu G u i n n e s s

Arriving at Queen’s Gate in the late 1970s, Lulu Guinness (OG 1976–78) was on the verge of discovering what she would later describe as ‘an immersion in the world of Art History and art’. This education would go on to shape her future, and lay the foundations for a successful career in the fashion industry. Lulu’s main attraction to studying at the School was the forward-thinking syllabus and specialist university-level teaching for History of Art, alongside the ability to study with the ‘legendary’ Miss Swoboda. ‘It really was wonderful and I felt very lucky to be taught by such a special, diminutive woman. I am only 5' 2" but I remember her being tiny! ‘My Art teacher Miss Ashbee was also a big influence on me. I remember her bohemian looks and wonderful passion. The School was very strong in Art, with connections at Central Saint Martins even then. I recall winning a competition organised by the United Nations whilst I was at Queen’s Gate and something like that would never have been possible without the School’s progressive ways.’ Lulu studied English and History at A Level, as well as her beloved

History of Art. ‘I felt very lucky to be able to access an enlightened approach to teaching where subjects were taken seriously and taught with real enthusiasm. When I returned to Queen’s Gate a few years ago it was exactly the same, although the doors are no longer painted purple!’ The size and location of the School played a large part in Lulu’s Queen’s Gate education and living in London became hugely influential in her work. ‘My time boarding felt exciting; the School’s position in London is fantastically central and that, combined with it being such a small, friendly school, makes it unique.’ Lulu’s quirky fashion choices, even as a pupil, were standout enough to

own company in her late 20s. ‘When I left Queen’s Gate I went on to the University of Cape Town to study Graphic Design and lived in Paris for three years after that. In London I had learnt to have masses of ideas and creative energy and in Paris I learnt to hone it down and edited the energy and style.’ So, what advice can Lulu pass on to those interested in pursuing a career in fashion? ‘Looking back, in those days it was almost impossible to get into fashion. To anyone who is thinking of following a similar path, the route is now very clear. There are obvious courses and support out there, and there has never been a better time to get into fashion in Britain. I started

‘I remember very clearly creating my own style whilst at Queen’s Gate: tea dresses and big belts’ become the way she is still remembered by school friends. ‘[I’m told] I wore my cardigans backwards so the V was in the back. I personally can’t remember that look so clearly, but I definitely grew in confidence in what was to become my own look and this filtered into my designs. I also remember very clearly creating my own style whilst at Queen’s Gate: tea dresses and big belts. ‘My time living in London definitely affected my designs today. I discovered Portobello Road when I was at Queen’s Gate! I met a more diverse collection of people at school and many were Londoners who could show me all the cool places to purchase vintage treats for just 50 p. Back then, it was within a schoolgirl’s budget to shop on the Portobello Road!’ Following her time at Queen’s Gate, Lulu continued to pursue her creative passions before launching her 31

my own company at 29 but with the internet and the opportunities for young start-ups, creative people can start younger and younger. When I left school, fashion careers were regarded as frivolous or lazy or that you weren’t smart enough to undertake a ‘proper’ course, but I know that fashion students today have never worked harder. There is a huge amount of work required and a lot of stamina is needed for the long hours – but I can assure you it’s worth it.’

All singing Queen’s Gate girls past and present star in a very special concert to celebrate the School’s 125th Anniversary

The 125th Anniversary celebrations in October saw Queen’s Gate alumnae and current pupils join together to form the School’s first Combined Chamber Choir for a very special concert. Under the musical direction of Teacher of Singing, Mrs MailleySmith, talented Old Girls rehearsed over a weekend to prepare for the performance. On Wednesday 12 October, they found themselves entering a packed Senior School Hall of friends and family, alumnae, current parents and girls, and many familiar members of School staff who were excited to see their old pupils back at Queen’s Gate once again! The concert began with the choir performing A la ruru Niño, followed by talented pianist Junhan Chen (OG 2011–15) playing Beethoven’s Pathétique and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee. Performances that followed

1 2 5 th A n n i v ersary C o n cert

Two of the evening’s Old Girl soloists have gone on to pursue music as a career, following their time at Queen’s Gate. Natalie Millet (OG 2003–10) studied at Goldsmith’s University and has followed opera as her profession. During the evening, she sang Poulenc’s delightful Les Chemins d’amor, and also teamed up with Alex Mascolo (OG 2004–11) and Maya Daniels (OG 1996– 2010) for an impressive performance of Mozart’s Sull’aria che soave zeffiretto. Hilda Sofia Boustany (aka Sofia B, OG 2000–09) is now a fully-fledged pop singer (sofiabmusic.com), and performed her own composition, The Perfect Storm.

The encore, and grand finale of the evening, was a familiar tune; America, from the musical West Side Story. However, the song had been given a ‘twist’ for the special occasion, and was sung by the choir with new words relating to the Old Girls and their time at the School. The chorus of ‘We’re here to celebrate Queen’s Gate School, many great memories of Queen’s Gate School, music and singing at Queen’s Gate School, with all our classmates at Queen’s Gate School’ was a definite winner with the audience! A traditional Queen’s Gate reception of drinks and canapés followed the concert in the Black Dining Room. The champagne flowed and there were wonderful reunions between Old Girls and their friends, families and members of staff. A huge thank you goes to all our fantastic Old Girls, who gave up their time to rehearse and perform at the event. Thanks also to all those who kindly attended to support the singers, as well as everyone else who came together from the School Community to create such a wonderful evening of 33

music-making. Over £500 was raised for the Royal Trinity Hospice, who also celebrated their 125th anniversary in 2016. The School is supporting their very valuable work through a variety of events during the 2016/17 Academic year.

opposite page The Combined Chamber Choir performs top left Junhan Chen back at the familiar QG Blüthner piano above Singing Old Girls (L–R) Lydia Jones (OG 1997–2009), Aislinn Kane (OG 2002–08), Hilda Sofia Boustany (OG 2000–09) and Yzzy Dunstan (OG 1995–2009) right Hilda Sofia Boustany performs The Perfect Storm

included Now is the month of Maying, Elgar’s The Snow and Mozart’s Ave verum by the Choir, Handel’s He shall feed his flock, by Sixth Form Pupils, and Etta James’s At Last, stunningly performed by Zinzi Dzuda (OG 2004–11).

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Queens of the Science Age Six weeks into 2016 and the final touches were being made to the newly-refurbished Science laboratories, ready for the Official Opening on Tuesday 23 February by Queen’s Gate Old Girl, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. After a full refurbishment, assisted by the School’s fundraising efforts, the event marked the importance of Science and the continuation of its success in instructing a new generation of young scientists.

The history of Science as a taught subject at Queen’s Gate stretches back, as far as we know, to the School’s earliest days. The first citation of Science lessons comes in the form of a poem, written for the 1905–06 edition of The Log (pp. 51–52). Entitled Our Science Classes on Light and Sound, the 14-stanza piece by pupil Silvia Sawbridge is an amusing read and gives us a glimpse of the curriculum and teaching methods:

[…] Our study now is Sound’s deep laws, And passing odd are they; We do not comprehend them yet, But trust we shortly may. These classes graft within us all A love for science true, And saturate our youthful minds Thoroughly through and through.

We have a stirring science class Conducted by Miss Cramp, Monday mornings, second hour, We hear a rubbered tramp.

We trust for all our trouble now The fruits will gathered be; When we are all Marconis great And talk across the sea,

She enters, and we trembling rise To greet her, as our rule, And scan with interest the things She brings with her to school.

Or else discover forces new, As famous Radium, And world known infant prodigies We’ll sure one day become.

S potlight o n S cie n ce

The complete poem is available to view on the Digital Archives. During the 20th century, the development of the sciences at Queen’s Gate saw classrooms and laboratories jump around the 131–133 buildings, with rooms on the fourth floor as well as down in the basement. In 1958, Mrs Pam Slack was appointed, and designed the specifications for the new Chemistry lab. Within the next ten years she also introduced A Level Science into the curriculum. Since then, A Level students have thrived, with more and more girls choosing the sciences each year. The proximity of Imperial College and, of course, the Science Museum has been a key resource for learning, with the availability of lectures and exhibitions enhancing teaching further.

left HRH The Duchess of Cornwall speaks to Biology pupils during her tour of the new labs

In 2002, Dr Justine Mercer became Head of Physics and, on her appointment as Head of Science in 2012, she introduced the first Queen’s Gate Science Week. ‘I wanted to show students how interesting and important science is, but also how much fun it can be, by meeting scientists from different

above Science experiments, 2005

MSci year studying Astrophysics at UCL, fondly remembers assisting Dr Mercer during the first-ever Science Week: ‘It was a great insight into the work that goes on in organising factual events, and it gave me the experience that I needed to apply to co-produce a conference called Tech Night London

‘I wanted to show students how interesting and important science is, but also how much fun it can be’ fields and seeing the work they do.’ Each year pupils in both the Junior and Senior Schools take part in a number of activities including making trebuchets, dissecting sheep brains and visiting the planetarium. Liberty Jacklin (OG 2006–13) who is currently in her final 35

at The Shard in 2016. In 2017, I have been asked to be the Conference Lead, which is exciting! Being at Queen’s Gate taught me to be independent, also that there is no need to let the stereotype that “physics is for boys” stop me from studying Astrophysics at university.’

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Liberty, of course, is not the only former pupil to embark on a career in the world of Science. Recently Laura Letwin (OG 2004–11) qualified as a veterinarian, Georgina Gullick (OG 2001–08) as a doctor and Eleanor Stride (OG 1990–97) is currently a Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. Eleanor found that she was torn between pursuing a career in Science or Art until ‘Miss Wilson, our amazing art teacher, took a group of us to the Royal College of Art/Imperial College industrial design degree course exhibition. It was seeing the work there that made me realise I didn’t have to make a choice’. Eleanor’s current research is focused on drug delivery systems engineering and biomedical ultrasonics. When the Junior School moved in 2007 to 125–126 Queen’s Gate, new laboratories were installed in the basement, which are used by both Junior and Senior girls.

It was no wonder then that when Tuesday 23 February 2016 came, there was cause for a great celebration to open the new Senior School laboratories, bringing together members of the Queen’s Gate Community to revel in the achievements of this wonderful subject since 1891. We certainly can’t wait to see further development in this everchanging field over the years to come. 36

top left Forensic Science lesson, 2015 top right Biology lesson, 1990 above IV Form Chemistry lesson, 1990s

A n n ou n ceme n ts

Announcements Births

Georgia Ciancimino (OG 1993–2000) and Andrew Rose are pleased to announce the birth of son Theo Rose, born on 23 May 2016. Nicola French, née Dixon-Brown, (OG 1990–93) and Alister were delighted to welcome baby Cosmo into the world on 28 September 2015. A brother for Romilly, whom she absolutely adores.

Saran Robertson (OG 1982–85) married Rob Johnstone on 6 August 2016.

Marriages Martina Miracoli (OG 2002–09) married The Hon. Finnian Donald Shaw, son of Lord and Lady Craigmyle, in May 2016.

Lilli Verjee, née Bolton (OG 1992– 2006) and husband Ash are delighted to announce the birth of twin boys Ossian and Ephra, born on 4 January 2016. Charlotte Langman (OG 1991–2003) married Jean-Baptiste Solanet on 2 July 2016 at Stanstead Bury, Hertfordshire. 37

If you have any notices you would like to be included in the next edition of The Log, please send your news and photographs to: alumnae@queensgate.org.uk

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Queen’s Gate Old Girl and lyric soprano, Melinda Hughes (OG 1982–89) returns to School for a concert of beautiful arias and satirical song.

Music to include Mozart’s Dove sono, Puccini’s Chi il bel sogno di and original compositions Country Estate and Cabbie Song Wednesday 1 March, 7 pm Senior School Hall queensgate.org.uk/events