The Royal High School Bath welcomed Marlborough Tiles for a special presentation and hand-painting workshop with A-Level Art students, celebrating a unique connection between the school and the renowned British tile manufacturer.
The visit formed part of the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations and highlighted a creative legacy stretching back almost a century.
Founded in 1936 by former Royal High art teachers Sylvia Packard and Rosalind Ord, Marlborough Tiles has its roots firmly linked to the school. The two pioneering artists taught at the school, then known as the Royal School for Daughters of Officers of the Army, before launching the tile-making partnership that would become one of Britain’s best-known ceramic brands. Marlborough Tiles is now preparing to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
During the visit, Cassie Maxfield from Marlborough Tiles introduced students to the history of decorative tiles and the achievements of Packard and Ord as female entrepreneurs during the 1930s.
Students also learned about Packard’s remarkable 1931 hand-painted tile mural, a 70-foot artwork made up of almost 1,000 tiles which still survives within the school. The mural remains an important landmark in the history of British tile manufacturing.
A practical workshop followed, led by Marlborough Tiles hand painter Alys Marshall. Students explored traditional majolica techniques using specially prepared glazed tiles, with their finished pieces now set to be professionally fired at the company’s factory before returning to the school.
Inspired by the experience, students are creating a contemporary reinterpretation of Packard’s historic mural, which will be displayed at the school.
Hannah Wilson, Head of Art at The Royal High School Bath, said, “The spirit of creative bravery lives on at Royal High. It has been wonderful to celebrate our shared history with Marlborough Tiles and to see our students working with the same techniques used by Sylvia and Rosalind.”
Cassie Maxfield, Head of Sales and Marketing at Marlborough Tiles, added, “We are incredibly proud of our roots and our connection to Royal High School Bath. Sharing the story of Sylvia and Rosalind with today’s students feels especially meaningful. Their creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit remain just as inspiring now as they were nearly a century ago.”
The workshop offered students a rare opportunity to connect with an important part of the school’s artistic heritage while gaining hands-on experience of traditional ceramic techniques still used today.
