Roddy Lloyd-Jones

Originally studying a sculpture degree at the Kent Institute of Art, my specialism was as a stone carver. I had an interest, at that time, in combining limestone carvings with soldered lead sheeting, linked to natural forms.

It took its origins from traditional stonemasons working on architectural restorations of churches and cathedrals, where the lead roofing met ornate stonework.

This interest in historical buildings introduced me to gargoyles and the best way to capture these was through photography. As a pre-requisite of my degree course, I needed to select a subsidiary subject to my sculpture major. Photography seemed the natural choice.

My degree course was many years ago and having selected my art college for its notoriety in sculpture; the inclusion of photography was on a self- taught basis. “Here is the darkroom, now get on with it!” Nevertheless, I submitted a thesis on the developments and historical meanings of Victorian Cemetery Art, a photo-documentary of original and ornate stone artworks found in some of the world’s most impressive Victorian Cemeteries.

Graduating from my degree, I moved straight onto a PGCE course and attained my Art Teachers Certificate at the University of London Goldsmiths. This particular teacher’s course allowed young artists to be trained whilst offering a free studio space. During the first few years of my teaching profession, I was able to maintain a combination of teaching art and photography as well as exhibiting my sculptures in a number of local and national art shows.

Now in my 32nd year of teaching, photography continues to be an active aspect of my art teacher’s role as well as my own independent photographic work. Since employed at Chenderit School, I have taught photography to sixth form students.