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An Art-Line for Margate
—Christopher Alexander Strand

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Over the last few years we have been working with Steven Alexander, the son of the late Christopher Alexander, head of fine art at the former Thanet School of Art & Crafts in Margate, from the 50s until his untimely death in the early 80s, exploring the curation of a collection of over 5000 art works of his father, much of it digitally archived. The aim is to explore a way of developing the archive, the opportunity for a digital curation whilst researching and exploring the Christopher Alexander collection as well as the works of his former students, some of whom would go on to become influential artists and designers in their own right. Others remained in Margate and formed their own art groups through which they continued their practice.

Our project seeks to understand Christopher’s legacy, particularly that which relates to his long and devoted career in teaching. By speaking to former students, colleagues, artist’s models, friends and relations, we hope to develop and enrich the existing archive of Christopher’s work, looking for traces of his influence in the memories, art and lives of those who knew him.

Christopher Alexander
(1926-1982)

Christopher Alexander was a Margate born artist who, after studying at the Royal College of Art, returned to Margate in 1951 to teach at the Thanet School of Art and then at the Canterbury College of Art from 1952. He remained an influential and committed teacher at both institutions until his sudden passing in 1982 aged just 56 years old.

 

www.thechristopheralexanderarchive.com