A century of learning captured in words and colour

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A century of learning captured in words and colour

Rugby’s independent home of lifelong learning, The Percival Guildhouse, is celebrating its centenary by publishing a colourful canter through its 100-year history in the town.

The glossy brochure looks to the future of the St Matthew’s Street centre, which offers a wide range of popular courses, as well as documenting in words and pictures its distinguished past.

A century of learning captured in words and colour

The Guildhouse was established by former pupils of Rugby School to honour the memory of Head Master, Dr John Percival, a great advocate of adult education. They acquired the home of noted antiquarian, Matthew Holbeche Bloxam, when it came up for sale and on 29th September 1925 formerly opened the Guildhouse.

Sheila Winterton, a former centre manager at the Guildhouse, who has written the historical narrative in the brochure, said: “You gain a fascinating insight into attitudes to continuing education and changes in society when you explore this history.

“The Guildhouse stayed open throughout World War Two serving as a social hub with students supporting one another through difficult times, enjoying topical debates and all the time adding to their knowledge through a wide variety of classes and activities.

“It was dubbed ‘The Thinking Shop of Rugby’ when it opened and so it has remained. It survived the withdrawal of all external municipal funding in the 1970s and continues today thanks to the determination and loyalty of volunteers, staff and expert tutors.”

Mrs Winterton paid tribute to the late Neil Aspinall, a former Guildhouse chairman and stalwart, for his 1988 book “Next To The Public Library” which documented the history up to that point.

David Dove, Chairman of the Guildhouse Centenary Committee, said: “We are grateful to Rugby Group Benevolent Fund without whose support we would not have been able to produce this engaging brochure.

“Its launch is the perfect taster for our Art & Archive exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery & Museum opening on 4th June, when we are staging the first major display of the abundant archive material we possess. Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which recognises the national significance of the material, our team led by trustee Liz Pichon, has been able to embark on the cataloguing and digitisation of our archives.

“We hope as many people as possible will come to view it and also take time to enjoy an impressive display of art and craft produced by our current students in their various classes.”

The Art & Archive show at Rugby Art Gallery & Museum runs from 4th-15th June. The commemorative centenary brochure is available from the Guildhouse and other outlets price £4.99. All current students receive a free copy.