Although this magnificent bust was officially a present from the OCs to the
school, we were acting as a postal service. The bust is in fact the gift of
Michael Gaskin (48 - 52) who was at the school during the almost legendary late
40s early 50s. Despite the appalling conditions of the time, maybe because of
them, Michael has very fond memories of Iwerne. He has several friendships
dating back to those years. Outside his two years doing National Service he has
spent his whole career running the Art Bronze Foundry just of the Fulham end of
Kings Road (For those who want to know its behind Jim Thompsons).Michael is a quiet, unassuming and totally lovely man, typically he didn't come to the presentation as he would have hated to be the centre of attention. His business which he inherited from his father and employs future family generations, is a world beater. Henry Moore, Elizabeth Fink, Epstien, Chadwick, Hepworth, Ayrton, all demanded that their sculptures be made and cast at Michael's foundry. Clayesmore, through Michael it would seem, was intimately involved in the Golden Age of British Sculpture. Among others who are employed at the foundry is the promising artist in his own right Paul van Veen who was at Clayesmore in the early 90s. The reason why such a high standard of craftsmanship, skill and tradition has been furthered and maintained is largely due to the charm, high standards and dedication of Michael Gaskin.