Illustrating Salford: Eric Satchwell

There’s two Erics in this story, but it’s Mr Satchwell’s whimsical illustrations that we’re here for.

Recently I came across a pamphlet to commemorate Salford Grammar School’s 50th anniversary in 1954. The printed version was officially released in 1956, following the research, writing, production and printing. At nearly 75 pages long, I suppose it’s a small booklet. Either way, a fascinating little gem of a read. Written and edited by the then headmaster, Mr Eric G. Simm.

To support Simm’s text is a continuous curation of illustrations. These are by the former head of art, Mr Eric Satchwell (1926–2012). Two Eric’s.. I know you couldn’t make it up! Mr Satchwell’s illustrations are quite something. Not only do they enrich the copy, but they add an animated tone to the school’s history. So simple, yet perfectly drawn and curated throughout, even just using a single colour. There is an artistic innocence. One is able to see the Square, the buildings, surrounding streets, Pendleton, local landmarks, the Crescent, school trips and more! I’ve selected a few below as well as the full set here. The American troops marching over Windsor Bridge, Acton Square’s forgotten church, and trams on the Crescent! Images influenced by the old arts masters, especially the Venetian School where Mr Satchwell took his style. He was also the chairman of Salford Arts Committee from 1951-53. Chip Shop’ (1952) is in Salford Museum and Art Gallery and worth a visit alone. All quite playful, they capture wider Salford perfectly during the first half of the twentieth century.

Salford Grammar School was established in 1904 as the Municipal Secondary School for Boys. The school was a leading educational provider and had been open for nearly seventy years. After modest beginnings in the Peel Building (then the Salford Royal Technical Institute), expansion was rapid. In 1914, they relocated to Leaf Square into a building designed by the architect Henry Lord (also the Peel Building) and an area well liked and drawn by the artist Lowry. After a promising few months, the building was converted into a military hospital for World War I. Pupils and staff continued their activities, and many, in one way or another, participated in the national war effort. 74 former pupils are remembered. During the interwar years, the school established a new identity, renamed as Salford Grammar in 1932. The new school quickly built a reputation for both academic excellence and character development. Pupils wore blazers and caps, were part of houses (Gloucester, Lancaster, Warwick, and York), even had a motto: Audendum dextra.. “with a daring right hand.”

Life at the school wasn’t just about exams. There was a lively arts and cultural scene. School performances included ‘Arms and the Man’ to ‘Henry IV,’ and concerts with a choir performing on BBC’s Children’s Hour. Societies were dedicated to drama, debating, music, and chess. The Parents’ Association was relentless, funding pianos, stage equipment and even establishing scholarships. The school magazine expanded to an 80-page annual, filled with photographs, essays and artwork. Sport was equally important. Rugby was reintroduced after the war and thrived alongside football and athletics. There were adventure camps and trips to Holland, Austria, and Italy, and expeditions to the Lake District and Wales. The school was academically progressive. By the 1950s, scholars attended Oxford and Cambridge, as well as wider universities across Britain. Some of the alumni include actor Albert Finney (1936-2019), director Mike Leigh, and musician (who needs no introduction) Peter Hook. In 1956, the school moved to a new building in Claremont. Redevelopment at Leaf Square saw the area completely flattened and rebuilt. The Allerton Building opened in 1967. Other than a grassy verge and Georgian houses on Broad Street, there’s no hint of the Square today. When the grammar educational system was abolished in 1973, a new comprehensive structure was introduced. The buildings at Claremont were eventually demolished. A booklet is in the Library Archive and Special Collection.