Nita's Early Schooling.
Nita’s earliest memories of schooling were
attending informal lessons at the home of two local spinsters called Misses
Girwood, living then at ‘Rosebank’ in the village. Nita remained as their
charge for a couple of years but believed her early education there was slow
thus causing her disadvantage when moving on to later primary education.
The ladies saving grace however was that
they knew of her father having been a professional artist. Seeing a talent in
her they allowed her time and indeed encouraged her development in this area of
expression.
Later she was sent to 'Laurel Bank School for Girls' since she did not have the
confidence of her younger sister who passed all entrance examinations for Girls High School. This was then a selective
fee-paying school where the fees where nominal compared to Laurel Bank much to
her father’s chagrin since money wasted was apposite to his nature.
Later
Schooling. Laurel Bank.
She attended Laurel Bank School for girls
travelling by train from Mount Vernon to Charing Cross and changing to tram for
Hillhead. The school has a fascinating history, reflecting the history of
Scottish higher education for women. It was founded by Margaret A. Hannan
Watson. In the 1890's when Margaret was in her late teens and studying women
students were not accepted at Scottish universities. However, in 1892
St.Andrews University opened its gates to women and she took up this
opportunity. Thus Margaret A. Hannan Watson, who taught Nita French language,
was one of the first female graduates of a Scottish University. Laurel Bank
School was founded in 1903 by Margaret (M.A.1897) and a friend, Janet
Spens (M.A. in 1899) a
graduate of Glasgow University. Janet was daughter of Sheriff Spens and had
also received an excellent education. The school was the first Scottish School
founded by Scottish women graduates.
By all accounts Margaret Hannan Watson was
an outstanding leader who developed a relationship of mutual respect and
admiration with her staff and students. She was wholly dedicated to her school
and forward thinking in all developments of both class taught and
extra-curriculum experiences. Miss Hannan Watson chose teachers not only
qualified to the very highest academic standards but also for their practical
experience in their field of expertise.
Many of the girls achieved academic
distinction at university. On leaving school some won scholarships to Glasgow
and Oxbridge. Many were awarded prizes in their subjects at university and over
the years many became teachers, doctors, scientists, and lawyers.
A Brief History of Art at Laurel Bank
(1903 to 1937)
By all accounts Miss Hannan Watson
engendered great respect and even awe from her charges. The school was her
life’s work and in art as in all subjects she encouraged and fostered the
freedom of self-expression.
The first chosen member of staff for her
art department was the accomplished Agnes
Raeburn (1872-1953). She was an RSW. Born in Glasgow she studied at the Glasgow School of
Art (GSA) under Fra Newberry from 1887 to 1901. She was a member of the Charles
Rennie Mackintosh circle and later President of the Glasgow Society of Lady
Artists Club (1940-43). Agnes twice was awarded The Lauder Memorial Prize.
Agnes founded the school Sketching Club to help develop artistic ability and
entered girls in the Glasgow Corporation Art Competition. In 1916 Fra Newberry
generously offered a medal, known as ‘The Newberry Medal’, to be awarded to the
most successful art pupil. This continued until his retirement.
A succession of well qualified teachers
followed on from Agnes Raeburn including;
Bessie Young (1855-1936), born in Glasgow and trained at GSA and Paris.
Christine Scott Sloan (1887-1975), born in Glasgow and trained at GSA (1907-15).
Muriel Stirling (1889-1940), trained at GSA (1919-22)
and Paris.
Isobel Moffat, set designer.
Annabel Kidston (1896-1981), born in Glasgow, studied
at GSA under Greiffenhagen (1918-21), Paris and The Slade and was head of art
for three years at Laurel Bank.
Dora Ellis (b.1902).
Josephine Haswell Miller (1890-1975) studied at GSA under
Greiffenhagen (1909-14) and Paris and
London. She was the first women ARSA. Also lecturer in art and architecture at
the GSA (1924-32). Mrs Haswell Miller took over the art classes at Laurel Bank
in 1926 when Annabel Kidston left to study in London. She introduced etching
and dry point to the senior pupils. And retired from Laurel Bank in 1929.
Lilli Stuart, weaving.
Nell Todd, dress designer.
Nita's Time at Laurel Bank.
Nita's teacher's included Elizabeth C. Kerr for German,
Madame Bost for French, Janet Glover (1st class degree Oxford) for history,
Miss A. M. Hopper for singing and form teacher D.E. Robertson.
School friends included Dorothea Hodge
(married Merrydrew), Rosemary Bloom (m.Hulst whom sadly died in September
2010), Jessie Campbell (m.Frame whom sadly died in 2008), and Margot Sandeman
(m.Robson, sadly died 2009) who kept in touch throughout their lives.
Dorothea Hodge testifies that 'Laurel Bank
brought out the best in every girl and nurtured those who had artistic and
theatrical talents as much as those of a more academic nature'. Dorothea left
school at the age of 15 to study ballet and dance in Edinburgh with the teacher
Marjorie Middleton, and then went on to study dance in London with Madame
Judith Espinosa.
Nita’s opinions of the standards of
teaching during her time are very mixed. Memories are of a few poorly
disciplined classes where the girls would talk at the top of their voices
whilst ignoring the teacher’s attempts to teach. Since Nita was a sensitive
child she was affected by any disorder. This made her nervous and worry about
her test marks. Suffice to say these would be the classes where marks were
lower. Although she had no great feelings of achievement at school she came
away with a very good report. She excelled in art studies at school. According to Dorothea Hodge 'Nita had
a great artistic gift, which revealed itself right from the start of her time
at Laurel Bank. She became well known in the school for her talented artwork'. In her final year Nita was awarded ‘Distinction
plus’ for drawing. Her teacher was the highly respected Nell Todd a former
pupil and winner of the coveted Glasgow Art Gallery Competition Gold Medal in
1923 and 1924. A gifted original dress designer Nell Todd was an expert
needleworker. Nell returned as a teacher and made a great impact on the art
department. With high expectations of her students work she was determined to
bring out and develop their talents.
Nell Todd went on to teacher at the famous
Christ’s Hospital Boarding School in Horsham, West Sussex in the 1950’s and
60’s where she was head of the art department.
Nita developed a friendship with a French
pen pal, Georgette Vachot, with whom many letters were sent and received.
Conversing in French they exchanged art postcards and their own poetry. This
experience no doubt contributed considerably to her being awarded 'Distinction'
for French language by Miss Hannan Watson.
A significant day in Nita's last few weeks
of school was the Coronation of George VI in May 1937 Westminster. Every
schoolchild in Glasgow was presented with a beautiful little tin of biscuits decorated
with a photograph of the King and Queen and inscribed on the underside. Nita to
this day still proudly displays her well-worn tin, however the contents have
long gone. In July as the groundwork for the Empire Exhibition began the new
King and Queen unveiled the commemorative stone.
Nita believed she had no hope of achieving her higher certificate at Laurel Bank and with the agreement of her father left at the end of her fourth year to start the Glasgow School of Art. Having submitted her portfolio and passed her interview she started in 1937 aged just sixteen years old.
Nita was renowned for her pigtails.
Nita - school days 1937
Nita was renowned for her pigtails.