This project came out of my long association with the school and the opportunity that I had to observe at close quarters life at Harrow School.

 

It is only 5 years that a boy spends at Harrow, from 13 to 18. But it is a time that has a life long impact. The freedom experienced in youth, and the first confident steps of adulthood, initially in imitation only, leave indelible marks on a growing and fast changing character. Newly formed patterns of behaviour, with all the excitement of a first-felt experience. Experiences that will be repeated throughout adulthood but never as affecting as the first time round

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There is no doubting that it is an intense time for a young boy: rarely alone, driven by friendships, supported by others, vigorous, hopeful, challenging, and mainly optimistic. And, of course, thoughts, fears and fantasies of the future are never far away..

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The themes are loosely divided into sections: 'Into the Wilderness', 'Black Tie - a rite of passage', 'Performance', 'Silence', 'Down Time', 'Physical Energy',  'Past and Present', and 'Space'.

 

All drawings were made in situ, as a response to unfolding scenes.  Simon Page

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