Discovering the Artistic Legacy of George Alexander Stevens at Wray Valley
In the heart of Wray Valley, you will discover the captivating paintings and drawings by George Alexander Stevens, Anne’s father, and Michelle’s grandfather, adorning the guest lounge. As an influential figure in British and African art education during the early to mid-20th century, George’s artworks often pique the interest of our guests, prompting us to share a brief biography about the man behind these beautiful pieces.
George Alexander Stevens was a dedicated artist and educator who significantly contributed to British art education and left a lasting impact on the lives of his students. Stevens’ passion for art and education led him on a remarkable journey throughout his life.
Early Years
George Alexander Stevens was born on June 6, 1900, in London to Ellen and John Stevens. He came from a family that nurtured his interests and encouraged his pursuit of higher education. George spent his formative years in Essex, where he attended Bancroft School. His early interest in art and history was evident, but he initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at Queens College, Oxford. This foundation provided him with a well-rounded understanding of culture, societal changes, and human achievements throughout time.
However, George’s true passion lay in the world of art. He decided to further his studies at the renowned Ruskin School of Drawing at Oxford, where he was mentored by esteemed artists Sidney Carline, Henry Tonks, and Gilbert Spencer. During this time, he formed lifelong friendships with fellow artists, including Stanley Spencer, and received guidance from prominent figures such as Roger Fry, a Bloomsbury critic, and London Group painter. These early experiences and connections laid the groundwork for George’s successful career as an artist and educator
Achimota College, Gold Coast (1925-1928)
In 1925, during his time at the Ruskin School of Drawing, Stevens was offered the Head of Art position at the Government Training College in Accra, Ghana. His appointment as the first art teacher at the Prince of Wales College and School coincided with the school’s relocation to Achimota. The institution later became known as Achimoto College in 1927. Stevens was a passionate educator who encouraged his students to develop their unique painting styles rather than conform to European art influences. Among his students was Kwame Nkrumah, who later became the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana.
While in the Gold Coast, Stevens painted numerous scenes of local life, capturing the vibrant culture and people of the region. Upon returning to the UK in 1929, he curated an exhibition at the Imperial Institute in London to showcase his students’ creative works. His dedication to his students and their artistic growth is summarized in a tribute, stating:
“An excellent artist himself, he was intensely interested in the simple drawings of his pupils, and when Captain Rattray asked him to illustrate his volume of Ashanti folk tales, he successfully turned the work over to a group of his students.” (Meyerowitz, 1937)
English School Master (1929-1935)
In 1929, Stevens took a temporary post in the Art Department at Dartington Hall in Totnes. This experience proved valuable, broadening his understanding of art education. Later in 1929, he assumed the role of Art Master at Eastbourne College, where he continued to inspire and educate young minds until 1935
The Artist’s Family
While at Eastbourne, George Alexander Stevens met and married Edith Whitworth, a nurse. The couple had two daughters, Mary, born in 1932, and Anne, born in 1937. Tragically, their son John passed away in infancy.
National Council of Social Service (NCSS) 1935 – 1947
In 1935, Stevens left his teaching position and took on the role of Arts and Crafts Adviser for the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). This role allowed him to contribute to the betterment of communities in depressed areas in the North of England and the Midlands. During his time at NCSS, Stevens established a craft center for unemployed individuals, providing them with valuable skills to improve their employment prospects.
War Service and Examination Work
World War II prompted Stevens to shift his focus to the art and craft aspects of the HM Forces Wartime Education Scheme. From 1942 to 1944, he traveled across the British Isles, offering engaging activities such as macrame knotting and plastic crafts to alleviate boredom for soldiers stationed at air bases, gunnery, and balloon emplacements.
Later, between 1944 and 1947, Stevens took on administrative work at the London headquarters of NCSS. His dedication to the organization included designing the first logo for the Citizens Advice Bureau, which was established during this period.
Art Educator 1947 – 1963
After the war, Stevens returned to education in 1947 as Senior Art Lecturer at Cooper’s Hill Emergency Training College. Here, he trained returning soldiers to become handicraft teachers. During this time, Stevens became actively involved with the Society for Education Through Art and their Pictures for Schools program.
In 1951, when the Emergency Teacher Training scheme concluded, Stevens was offered the management position at the prestigious Whitechapel Art Gallery by the London County Council (LCC). A year later, he became Principal of the Fulham Men’s Institute, a role he held until his passing in 1963.
During his time at Fulham, Stevens organized a retrospective exhibition at Fulham Central Library, showcasing over 70 of his works created between 1924 and 1954. These events solidified his status as a important figure in the art world and an essential contributor to art education.
Stevens died in 1963 while Anne and her family were on oveseas service in Singapore. Michelle never met her grandfather.
Find out More
To read more about George Alexander Stevens’ life and to see examples of his work, please click the button below to open a pdf version