The Art School was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Professor Norman Ackroyd CBE RA. One of Britain’s most highly regarded contemporary printmakers, his significant achievements and contributions as an artist, teacher and supporter of the arts leave an enormous legacy, and a great loss to the community and UK culture.
Norman’s longstanding commitment to City & Guilds of London Art School has impacted generations of students who have passed through our Print Room. In 2022, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at the Art School in recognition of his advisory role spanning over 27 years, and his instrumental part in redesigning the Print Room, establishing it as a thriving centre for teaching and practice.
Norman praised the Art School for its championing of hand skills and commitment to prioritising studio practice, and his approach to printmaking will continue to be taught through Jason Hicklin, our Head of Printmaking, who was one of his former students.
“The Print Room at City & Guilds of London Art School was re-established in 1998 by Norman, following an invitation from the Principal, Michael Kenny RA. The room was modeled after the etching studio at the old Central School of Art and Design, where I had been taught by Norman.
We decided that City & Guilds of London Art School would be the perfect environment to preserve the art of etching, especially as many art schools were closing their print rooms at the time.
Norman invited me to manage the Print Room, with the responsibility of teaching the etching process and establishing a Print Fellowship. This fellowship provided graduating students with the opportunity to continue working, learning how to teach and manage a Print Room themselves. This has been one of the most significant achievements at the Art School.
Norman was a remarkable artist, teacher, and mentor. His generosity lives on at City and Guilds of London Art School, and in the wonderful room I am privileged to work in.” Jason Hicklin
His lasting impact on the Art School will be profoundly felt by both staff and students, and we send our heartfelt condolences to Norman’s family and to all those who knew him.