There’s two Erics in this story, but it’s Mr Eric Satchwell’s whimsical illustrations of Salford during the first half of the twentieth century that bring us here.
I recently 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 the text, there 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 though. 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 that stand out and the full set is here on the Flickr account. The American troops marching over Windsor Bridge, Acton Square’s forgotten church, and trams on the Crescent!
Mr Satchwell was influenced by the old arts masters, especially the Venetian School style. He was also the chairman of Salford Arts Committee from 1951-53. I recall seeing the ‘Chip Shop’ (1952) in Salford Museum and Art Gallery, will take another look. Eitherway, these are great to see. As playful as they are, 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). Leaf Square was well liked by Lowry and the setting for several of his earliest inspired works.
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), and 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.
If anyone would like to see the booklet, there’s a copy in the Library Archive and Special Collection. There is also a digital version which I can send should you like one.
[…] influenced not only by industrial history and redevelopment, but also by the lived experiences and creative responses of those who called the city home. To these and the other unsung heros – thank you. […]