A fine artistic transformation for graduate Ken

Ken Dixon described himself as ‘absolutely useless’ at art as a schoolboy. At the age of 86, his artistic talents are clearly transformed, as he will be awarded a BA (Hons) Fine Art at from the University, in the 2.1 classification.

Ken is from Thornaby and his graduation guests will include his wife of 56 years, Jean, and their two children, David and Elizabeth. Ken also has three grandchildren.

He said, 'My wife is a retired teacher and my children are both graduates, David has a business studies degree from Hull and Elizabeth a master’s in business from Teesside. So I’ve finally caught up with Jean and our kids! We’re going to make a day of the celebration.'

Left school at 14 Ken left school at 14 and his first job was a van boy driver for the Co-op laundry, followed by a post as a wagon driver. He joined the RAF aged 18 and flew with their Bomber Command in World War II. After the war he worked as a cashier for a locomotive works in Stockton then moved to Derby as an engineering buyer for Rolls Royce. He returned to Teesside as a financial adviser until his retirement.

His interest in art was reawakened 18 years ago. Ken said, 'We went on honeymoon to Keswick in 1955 and I bought some crayons and a pad. I kept this pad and in 1993 Jean and I returned to Keswick, having bought a caravan, and I started to paint on it. My interest developed after that.'

Accepted by all Ken completed some courses at Cleveland College of Art and Design, then an access course at Stockton Riverside College, leading to Teesside’s Fine Art degree. Ken said, 'Mature students need not worry, I was accepted by all. Although I wasn’t tempted to dye my hair green and purple! I enjoyed the teaching; the lecturers were very helpful, always available and not strict. You weren’t pushed in any particular direction and allowed to find your own way.

'I particularly enjoyed a study visit to Prague University. That was very interesting and also the visits by guest artists. In fact, I still come in to listen to them even though I’ve graduated.'

Ken developed a passion for painting trees, which he exhibited in his final-year show. He added, 'I find trees have a lot to say as pictures and as entities themselves. I’m still going to explore this. My advice to anyone my age, who is thinking of study, is "just do it." You’ll get all the help you need and be made very welcome.'

---

More about Graduation 2011