Inside Winchester College

The talk was a presentation of photographs taken at Winchester College over several years, including Covid years. Jim is a professional photographer and is paid to take a number of different types of photographs showcasing the diversity of the school, its pupils and staff.

Winchester College was founded by the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham in 1382, and as such has strong ecclesiastical connections, and has its own chapel and has links with Winchester Cathedral.

In addition to the pictures shown, Jim also brought along 21 black and white prints, based on the life of the school, its pupils and staff. Both the projected images and prints gave an insight into this Old Public school and its quite quicky traditions, as evidenced by the tradition of Morning Hills, which takes place each year, either in the summer or autumn term, and involves the whole school ascending St Catherines Hill. The tradition was established in 1884 in to emphasise the school’s historic right of access to and use the hill. Once at the top, each pupil’s name is read aloud, followed by prayers. There was a slide of this taking place.

The pictures gave an insight into the life of the school, how its traditions are part of the fabric of the school, and just how busy their lives are, not just academically, but also sports, arts and music seem to feature strongly as well.

For me, the image that chimed the most was the one where the prefect was supervising the younger boys, probably doing their homework, but in front of him was a row of mobile phones, not so different to ordinary schools nationwide.

The Prints were part of Jim’s panel for his Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society, and whilst it was unsuccessful, the prints were a further snapshot of the life of the school. There is a wide cross section of subjects, from music pupils playing in a quartet, to a photograph capturing the quiet moment of a choir master talking to two of the Quiristers.

It was an interesting evening that gave a glimpse into the mysterious world of a school that has the longest continuous history in England.

I was fascinated by the history and traditions the photos hinted at, and as part of the research for the review I looked at their website and many parts of the school, are open to the public at specified times.