Corin Johnson
1. Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living:
I live mainly in Camberwell, London but also spend quite a bit of time in Buckinghamshire. I work as an artist/sculptor specialising mainly working in stone, marble, clay and wood.
2. Age:
54
3. When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to?
I was at Princethorpe from approximately 1981 to 1989
4. What was the school like in your day?
The school was still run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and the nuns back then. It was 99.9% a boys school - just a couple of girls. Quite multi racial - lots of people from Irish families and lots of students from Hong Kong. I found the school generally extremely friendly and the teachers and staff to be supportive. There was a good sprinkling of eccentrics.
5. How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?
I made quite a few life long friends at Princethorpe so that says a lot.
I think the community aspect of Princethorpe really helped me get on with lots of different types of people and playing rugby with the school helped me work as part of a team. I found the educational aspect really helpful - it was academic but not stiflingly so. I also had quite a lot of fun. Also being surrounded by such beautiful architecture and grounds probably rubbed off on me - I work a lot now with architects, designers, artists and museums.
6. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Work hard, play hard, enjoy your self, try not to get into bad habits - stay optimistic and try a bit of meditation.
7. Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?
I’ve had so many influences and teachers so that’s a really difficult one - but I’d probably say the arts and spiritual teachings.
8. What keeps you awake at night?
Worries about family or projects or watching late night films.
9. What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?
Probably being commissioned to do two statues on the front of Westminster Abbey, but also collaborating with other artists on work for the Tate and the Henry Moore Foundation.
10. What’s your biggest indulgence?
Music
11. If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?
Beef Bourguignon
12. If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?
In Sicily with my partner.
13. Lasting memories of Princethorpe:
Father McManus, Sister Julian, Mr Rex, Mr Harwood - sports training with Mr Price and Mr Moroney - hanging out in the orchard - the Art room with Mr and Mrs Skiff - Mr Cooper singing me a Roy Harper song - all the various styles - the mods, 80s New Romantics - Rock a Billy’s - the plays - the Lime Walk - the dinner hall - Father O'Connor getting very passionate - cricket with Mr Harwood.
14. Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?
Quite a few - Dominic Gillespie, Dominic Shingleton, Antony Reynolds, Ian Rudolph, Ian Ingram, Becky and Tommy Hilditch, Sarah Grinel, Greg Deely, Rupert Godard and David Pryke.
15. Is there anyone you would like to track down? Quite a few - including Richard Chapman and Jason Clarage.
Corin's incredible Portuguese pink marble sculpture of songwriter and musician Lawrence is being shown for the first time in the unique and meditative setting of the Fitzrovia Chapel, London,W1T 3BF until Friday 9 February 2024.
https://www.fitzroviachapel.org/series/lawrence-in-fitzrovia/
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