1947: Aitkenhead's Observations of his School
The following is an attempt to ‘translate’ John's writing as it demonstrates both his lovely way with words and strong belief in what he was creating at Kilquhanity.
1st July 1947
What a lovely Irish dump the school seems to be on days like this. It is warm and sunny yet breezy enough to be cool and fresh so that sitting outside is really a pleasure. And just so much stuff is lying around for the place not to be disgustingly neglected or beautifully tidy. The road to the art loft is cluttered with nettles at the stable door and straw upstairs. Junk bars the way to the workshop – old …….. car wheels and rabbit skins drying on planks upended. But neither approach hinders the painters aloft or the sawyers within.
This gentle disorder abroad, too, (an old boot lying where it fell after a game a week ago, the going on are improvised . . . . . . lasts longer like that, less molested than ever it is in a proper state) seems to breed contentment in the kids. They’ve made their impression and are without worry. Long may they be so. Irish is the name for this lovely state. Let him call it inefficient who is stupid enough.’
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