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History Edward Alleyn, who owned the manorial estate of Dulwich, decided to create a foundation dedicated to charity and education. It would educate twelve poor pupils, aged between six and eighteen, who would be taught by qualified graduates of Oxford University. Though Alleyn was a successful actor his fortune was acquired from the more unsavory enterprises of bear-baiting and prostitution, arguably the foundation was formed in part to absolve himself from gaining "immoral" earnings. The foundation was constituted on June 21, 1619, when James I signed the letters patent. One stipulation was that the Master should always be unmarried and descended from Alleyn, which criteria proved difficult to meet. The school was reconstituted by an Act of Parliament in 1857, when it moved from the old site of Alleyn's College in Dulwich Village, where the chapel still remains, to its present site. The new college buildings were designed in a hybrid of Palladian and Gothic styles in red brick and terracotta, by Charles Barry, Jr. (the eldest son of Sir Charles Barry, who designed the Palace of Westminster). The reformed school's new master, Carver, was the first master not to share the name of the school's founder "Alleyn" (or latterly "Allen"). Upon the reform the school was split in two, with the "A" stream moving up to the new location, and the "B" stream or lower school staying in the village, where it became "Alleyn's School", which now exists on the other side of Dulwich Village in SE22. During World War II, Dulwich College was evacuated to Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia and there remains a memorial planting of trees in that village in memory of this period. Recent developments Although it has always been a private foundation, for some time in the middle part of the 20th century a large percentage of the pupils were on full scholarships funded by local authorities in and around Greater London. These "assisted places" gradually disappeared and were abolished in 1997. Alleyn's and JAGS belong to the same foundation, and the college has also founded international schools in Phuket, Shanghai and Beijing. All of the franchise schools are built in the notable red-brick style of the London School, but with modern and oriental twists on the theme. Recently the school's franchise in Phuket ended its association with Dulwich due to disagreements over the curriculum; it is now known as "British Curriculum International School, Phuket". At the College The school has a very extensive archive, especially of material relating to drama and the arts, thanks to its founder, the actor Edward Alleyn. Included in the archives is a first folio of William Shakespeare and some original poems by John Donne. Other interesting artefacts held by the College include the "James Caird", the lifeboat in which Ernest Shackleton made his intrepid voyage to Elephant Island, as well as other items such as sledges, skis and clothing from Shackleton's famous journey for survival. Above the fireplace in the "Masters' Library" are two panels depicting Liberty and Fortune bought by Edward Alleyn; they were originally on Elizabeth I's state barge. Recent teachers at Dulwich College include the novelist Steven Jacobi. Current teachers include the English abstract painter Ken Maycock, who teaches art and history of art. Dulwich Picture Gallery Alleyn's College was also bequeathed a large collection of paintings by Francis Bourgeois in 1811, which had originally been intended to form the nucleus of the Polish King's collection. Following the partitions of Poland the paintings were left to the College, which set up the Dulwich Picture Gallery under a trusteeship in a building designed by Sir John Soane, which became Britain's first public art gallery. The Gallery is now run under the auspices of the board of the estate's governors, which now acts as the foundation's overseer. Painting of the College The College appears in an 1871 painting by Camille Pissaro. Use of the College in films Because of its proximity to Central London and its combination of impressive architecture and partly "rural" look it has been a popular location for filming and photography for feature films, docu-dramas and adverts. It is actively advertised as a location by "Dulwich College Enterprises", the for-profit business side of the school. Recently, Dulwich College was used as part of the film set for the Tomb Raider film, and Legally Blonde. In Tomb Raider, Lara Croft can be seen in the College Great Hall during the auction at the beginning of the film. The graduation ceremony at the end of Legally Blonde was also filmed in the Great Hall, because Reese Witherspoon was in the UK for the filming of The Importance of Being Earnest. Recently it was used in a "docu-drama" about the young "Rockstar" life of Tony Blair. It was used in Channel Four's "Star Stories". The opening scene of "Watch Without Predjudice" (George Michael) takes place outside of the lunch hall! Renowned alumni Years of birth and death (when listed) are given in full. Years at the college are given last, using two digits if unambiguous. Alumni are known as "Old Alleynians". Arts and Entertainment Sport Politics Other occupations | |||||||||
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