This Lent term is my second at the College as Director of Development. My role is to look after alumni relations and, in the run up to our 400th anniversary in 2019, to support the College’s ambition to raise funds for both bursaries and buildings, in order to sustain this inspiring environment in which our boys can expect the very best teaching in the very best setting.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Grimshaw Architects (grimshaw-architects.com/) to work with the College on Phase 1 of the Master Plan, the restoration of the Science Block. Particularly relevant is Grimshaw’s work on the Core, the Education facility at the Eden Project, because the Dulwich project will closely link the Two Cultures of Art and Science. The Grimshaw team, who deeply impressed the selection panel, will be led by the firm’s Managing Partner, Jolyon Brewis, who lives locally and is keen to work with us, and Richard Blackwell, Associate Architect. Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, President of the Royal Academy, 2004-2011, has indicated that he will take a deep personal interest in the project.
Although new to Dulwich myself, I am following in my family’s footsteps. 100 years ago, my Grandfather, Ivan Owen Belgrave Shirley, came to Dulwich College from Kingston, Jamaica. Like so many others before and since, Dulwich gave him a remarkable start in life. Ivan Owen went on to become one of the first West Indian doctors to practise in London.
I look forward to talking with as many of you as possible and to crafting our shared vision for the future of the College.
Sioban Whitney-Low
Director of Development