I cannot take credit for this lovely drawing. It is an illustration by Pam Copestake and is here because I would like to share something with you.
After a storytelling a while ago, I published a drawing of Smudge the Mouse by the rather talented little Georgia Lindsay (see
Her Grandad, Peter, recently made contact with me and it turns out that Georgia has quite an artistic family. These drawings were done by Peter's sister in law, Pam, for her husband, David Copestake's funeral. He too was an artist, hence the idea.I was so taken with the drawings that I thought you might like to see them too. She is now in her 70's and lives in Aintree outside Liverpool. She has never been a professional illustrator but Peter tells me she's just won a local art competition on the theme of Liverpool as City of Culture.
Well done Pam, and thank you for letting me share your lovely drawings with others.
48 comments:
Thank you for sharing those great drawings. What a lovely unique idea for Pam to do those sketches for her husband David's funeral. I hope he 'saw' them.
Is this the David Copestake
who was an art teacher at Hillfoot
Hey High School in the sixties and
seventies ?
yes David Copestake was indeed the art teacher/ head of dept and eventually deputy Head at Hillfoot Hey. His subjects were: Art / History of Art / Pottery/ Architecture
Peter Copestake (brother)
David Copestake was my inspirational art teacher at Hillfoot Hey High School, Liverpool. I have a lovely vase that he gave me when I was doing A-level Art (Incl. History of Architecture). Today's Guardian supplement on that subject prompted me to search for his name. Some teachers make a real difference and David was one of them.
John Kirkwood
What a lovely comment - I can imagine it would make David feel really chuffed to know that.
I know what you mean though - I had an Art History teacher like that when I did my foundation course: Clive Ashwin. He lit fires in previously damp corners of my imagination!
I was in the very first intake of first formers at Hillfoot in Sept of 1956 and Mr. Copestake was one of the original 6 or 7 teachers. As well as Art, he also taught Music for the first year. Always a very kind and sympathetic teacher, one of the best. Although I was totally useless at Art, he always found something positive in my efforts.
Sorry to just now hear of his passing as I came across this site.
Eddie Bellion, Hillfoot 1956-62.
It's sad that he has gone, but I'm glad you got to learn of it at least. The post has been up since 2008, so it was a while ago. He sounds like he was a pretty special person.
Mr Copestake was my form master in my first year at hillfoot 1958-59 (1C for Copestake)and my art master. He was one of my favourite masters. He was also a tolerant master, warm, friendly! I remember him as slimmer and taller than the illustration but with a moustache. A great bloke.
R Coventry Hillfoot 1958-65
He is clearly remembered fondly by many people. I wish I'd had the chance to meet him myself.
It is amazing how you retain the memory of a good teacher after all these years
David Birch, Hillfoot 1959 - 1966
I have fond memories of Mr Copestake from my time at Hillfoot ( 1969-76 ) . Although I attended his art lessons for only the first two years ( then on into 3S ), I can remember many good times . He wasn't sarcastic , pompous or officious ( several were ..... ), but had a 100% genuine interest in the subject , students and Hillfoot. If he saw me walking along School Lane in the morning , he would stop to give me a lift . Only he and Dennis Howard would do that ! He had a Leyland Allegro ; I think the model with the square steeting wheel ? ) and it was quite "flash" in its day.
Easter 1975 he took a party of 20 of us to ChristChurch College Oxford to visit the facility and meet the Don who was a Hillfoot old-boy and friend of Dennis Howard's ( chemistry teacher ).
We also experienced superb Art History lectures from David as a part of General Studies A level.
I remember in my first year ( 1970 ) he asked me to polish the school awards cup , and handed me a can of paste and a cloth. After tea-break he came to find me , and his eyes nearly popped-out-of-his-head whan he saw I'd rubbed a lot of the very thin silver plate to the brass ! After a couple of seconds of our combined shock , we cracked out laughing ; priceless moment ! It was metal paste , not silver paste , and I wasn't paying enough attention to the task in hand .
He would have made a superb Head Master , but Alec Holden wanted an outsider to succeed upon his retirement . AH ( I knew him for years .... ) said that an internally promoted Head never gets respect form others . He was right , but that was cold comfort for DC .
Neil in Australia
Wow, just found this. I am David's daughter and I recognise so much of what has been said about my Dad in the many posts here. He genuinely loved his time at Hillfoot, especially the years up until the late 70s. I'll show these to my mum in a few weeks when she comes visiting. Thank you to those of you who have said such wonderful things about such a wonderful man. :-)
I was at Hillfoot 1965 to 1972 and had Mr Copestake in the earlier years for Art. He truly was a gent and I recall one lesson laughing out loud at a joke and he asked me to stand outside the art room which was right next door to the Teachers room. Well he forgot about me and it was a double lesson so I stood there for about an hour and a half with the Head Mr Pomfret scowling at me as he went in and out ( Good job it was not his predecessor as would have got six of the best). At the end of the lesson Mr Copestake realised he had forgotten about me and then spent ten minutes apologising to me. Fond memory of the art room and him.
Steve
How lovely that so many people who knew David as a teacher seem to have found this post and shared their fond memories of him.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments. I'm sure he would have been chuffed to bits.
Would Peter be the Peter Copestake who worked for Girobank/A&L?
I don't know, I'm afraid. I only know the information in the little article, as I never knew the family personally. Could be...
Lynne - thanks - hopefully one of the family picks this up and lets me know.
A truly inspirational teacher who took the time to be interested in each of his students. A wonderful man with fond memories of time long gone.
Kieran McGrath
1970 - 1975
Great teacher Mr.Copestake . I was there 64-69. Had him for 5 years as I took Art O level. Abiding memory is of him during Teacher v 6th- formers annual footy match out on the right-wing snatching quick drags on a 'woody' when the ball was the other end of the pitch.
Took a genuine interest in his pupils.
Hi All, I still fondly remember Mr Copestake. I did art at A level and often think about him and remember what a kind, tolerant, supportive and inspirational man he was. I feel so sorry that I didn't take time out to tell him myself. What a lovely person.
I'm pretty sure that DC designed the school badge, I don't suppose that it's possible that there's any artwork still extant.
I was there from 1960 to 1967 and remember Mr Copestake well. I was a timid boy then, and in my first year, one end of lunchtime, he surprised me as I tried to wipe the table with a cloth hidden inside a beaker. Not a great crime but in those days you seemed to be caned for any misdemeanor. I was literally terrified. Mr Copestake saw me trembling. I have never forgotten his words: "Poor little mite" and he sent me off. In our next art lesson he asked if I was still frightened of him. Such a small act of human kindness which has stayed with me all my life. I wish I could thank him.
I remember accidentally tipping some paint powder all over him in class. It was the only time I ever heard him raise his voice.......or have steam coming out of his ears.
I have fond memories of Dave Copestake and his art classes. I was at the school from 1963 - 1969. His classes were inspiring and he was never sarcastic and always encouraging. Glad to hear he went on to be deputy head - I'm sure he'd be perfect for the role.
I liked and respected him a lot though I was no artist and didn't take Art O Level.
Many were totally unforgettable: Forbes, Lynan, Fox, Warwick, Jordan, Leyland.
Few villains. Holden was the nastiest.
Talking 58-64 here.
Non nobisssss, Domine!
I attended from 82-87, the final years. I loved that school, some of my best memories ever. I recall breaking down in class cause i thought my nan was going to die and i'd have nobody. Dave Copestake took me into his cosy little office and we had a long chat. He told me not to worry, my nan would live a long life (he was right) he was the only person i ever spoke to about that....enduring memory, lovely man. Veritas Vincit!
David Copestake was my art teacher at Hillfoot Hey and an inspiration for most of my life afterwards. He directed me towards Liverpool College of Art and my subsequent career as an art teacher, Local Authority Art Adviser and finally as an Ofsted Inspector. Without David's sympathy and drive to succeed, none of that would have come to pass, and he has my gratitude for taking some raw talent and knowing how to shape and nurture it. mikestevensonart.co.uk
He was Peter's brother.
Both had ginger hair and both lovely men.
I remember Peter as a gentle man at Hill foot.I hated the ethos of that School but Peter was a great teacher.I have done well despite Hillfoot.It didn't cater for the free thinkers!!
Well , It's fifty years this week since I started at Hillfoot . I have to say that I am feeling my age these days though ...... it comes up on you suddenly . I heard that former teacher Graham Howell has retired from teaching . Was D Head at Holly Lodge and then moved to teaching in South Wales .
Barrie Lawless appears to be keeping OK , from Facebook content .
Neil in Australia
I was there in early eighties, and as a sixth former, Mr copestake allowed me to resurrect a derelict photographic darkroom and take o level photography. He was very wide thinking.
I was a pupil at Hillfoot,a dreadful school for an individual like me.I remember being caned on a regular basis.Hillfoot didn't cater for misfits.
David was a very kind generous man with a shock of red hair.He had look of Trotsky about him!
I remember he had made a still life display of fruit for an O or A level exam,I ate it.Not something to celebrate.
This was a very silly thing to do when one considers the decency of David.
I was however a stupid messed up kid who did well in life despite my parents and Hill foot Hey School.
Did you have a sister named Ann? I was her friend when we were children.
Just came across this thread. Like others I have good memories of David Copestake. First as an Art teacher he was funny and inspirational. I remember him as Head of the Upper school taking time to have a long conversation with me in the corridor about how I was getting on I felt he was genuinely interested in my future. I was there from 1971-8.
Yes I am Ann, David Copestake’s sister. David truly was a beautiful man and I’m so blessed he was my brother. ��
Most of the teachers at this 'school' would be put before the courts today for their
beatings of the students 'punishments' , salacious, homophobic , sexist views today - good riddance to this place - its unfortunate cellphones weren't available in the day to catch these teachers 'in action' - no one should celebrate this place.
My names is Jay Rowan my twin and i paul went to hillfoot from 67 to 72.we both loved it as it was ,we weren't extra clever but it gave us a good standing for our later life adventures.i remember mr copestake as I was in 5 art.he was always very attentive to all in his class and understood our class humour.
Looking at the date of your reply about hillfoot you didn't like school that much.it was a different era then and all I can say is that I did remember the odd chalk duster throw at pupils and the odd caning given out maybe that's why there is so much indiscipline in schools tday
yes Mr Copestake a fine teacher. Remember Mr Lott the sadist.
School was a place to learn - not be subjected to beatings - canings - slippering - those ‘sick’ teachers at this place should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law - also liverpool education authority that allowed it to go on for years
Kind and encouraging, what a true gentleman.
I found Mr Lott to be very helpful with my a level maths.
I was in Hillfoot from 66-71,Dave Copestake became a great friend and mentor..
Fred Lott was a man of discipline who tried to get the best from his pupils..
So many great teachers from one of the finest school in the country,in its time...Mr Pomfret,Derrick Holden,Nobby Forbes,Mr Cresswell,,Mr Lowe,and more.
Any way...
Me and Vincent Barlow went there from St Christopher's from Speke..
And always looked back on a great Education by the best,from Hillfoot Hey..
Dave was a teacher and friend that we could always turn to...
John(Foz)Foster..
Mr Copestake was my art teacher from 1971-73, and was one of the few who took a genuine interest in his pupils and their welfare.
Unfortunately, once Hillfoot Hey High School became comprehensive w.e.f.the 1973 intake of four forms, the standards dropped overnight almost, with excellent teachers like Mr.Langley (geography)having departed. Leadership from the head was lacking; many teachers were there not with a duty to do their very best to develop their pupils for adult life in an educational sense, but to do the bare minimum, as there was zero accountability, with the militant staff room discussions being more about teachers' rights rather than pupils' needs.
One more example. I was quite sporty (captain of cricket)and fair footballer, but there were boys like Stevie Walker, a superb footballer, who should have been encouraged to develop at what they were talented, but the P.E. department was disinterested, leaving the likes of the excellent Mr.Fullelove (woodwork) to run cricket with great enthusiasm and dedication.
Apologies to the Copestake family for rather hijacking the thread but, if you attended say the Bluecoat, your average sportsman became a good player, whereas your talented one at Hillfoot probably lost some opportunity. My wife's school, St.Hilda's, had spirit throughout- a quality which rapidly evaporated, leaving the likes of North East Tech. to pick up the pieces in many cases.
Had Mr.Copestake become Head to follow Mr.Pomfret in 1972, who knows what a difference he might have made to people's futures. Despite all that, being a Liverpudlian alone has helped us make our way in life much more enjoyable!
he was my art teacher until 1973 as well - did you leave in 1973? If so we were probably in the same year. Mike Byrne
Does anyone remember Colin Jones who passed away in 1975 he was 18 he went to hillfoot hey and probably left approx 1973
I went to Hillfoot from 56 - 62 and would agree Mr Copestake was one of the best teachers in the school. I was very keen on art and he gave a lot of support.
Some comments on here seem to think the school was not good but if you were prepared to put in a stint the opportunities were there to do well, the facilities were excellent.
Still have photo taken in school yard with John Stephens, Phil Price, Philip Morris, Malcolm Howard & Gerry Marr. Still see John Stephens & Phil Price don't know what the others did does anyone know?
Interesting times !
Just an update from my last post to let anyone who was interested that sadly Phil Price recently passed away.
As he wanted a private funeral we are having a memorial get together at Sefton Park Cricket Club 2.00pm Sunday 17 March
If anyone wants to pop along for a toast to Phil they will be welcome.
Richard Weston
I think you meant Gerry Maher, and what a character he was. I came late to this thread and just wanted to add my thanks and memory of David Copestake, a very special man. He conned me nicely into passing GCE Art. Just before we took the Mock, he announced to our class that he'd estimated our exam marks next our names. He had to leave the room for a few minutes, so I quickly checked what he'd put down. I was annoyed and disappointed, he'd put me down for a fail. I put extra effort in from then until the GCEs just to show him. I passed and found out later, he knew. Top man. I've done many jobs in my life including being a potter and teaching ceramics.
Ken Hawkins
Mr copestake was a great teacher. He saw interest and developed it in his students.mr lacey, Taylor, lott, huckerby, carson and others, could handle the 'banter' of young lads but a few were dominated by pupils and enabled far too much bullying. It was the beginning of the end of discipline and order in secondary education. Thank heavens cyber bullying didn't exist then!
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