Length of service at Prior's Field (in 2020): 18 years

Department: Art and Photography

1. Are you doing what you thought you’d be doing after you left school?

I would never have imagined when growing up that I would become a teacher. I was born in Rome and once I completed my high school studies, I had intended to read architecture at University. However, I changed my mind and enrolled onto a course in Psychology. During the course, I decided to take a short break and came to London to improve my English, which was important for the continuation of my university studies. 

It was fascinating and exciting to live in a truly cosmopolitan city and I discovered my passion for art which led me to study first at evening classes, and then at Chelsea School of Art.

I was able to support myself financially while studying in London by doing several jobs. These included waitering, washing cars for a well-known rental car company, joining a team of builders as a painter and decorator, escorting a group of Canadian students through France and Italy, working in a storeroom for a hospital and several department stores, and finally becoming a graphic artist.

2. What would you say is your biggest achievement, the thing you’re most proud of professionally or personally? 

After completing my MA at Chelsea School of Art I was awarded a scholarship in Urbino Italy for a year and on my return to London I started my teaching career in 1989.

It has been a fascinating life journey and I am very proud of my personal achievements, professional career and my family.

However, there has been an event which I remember with great pride and satisfaction, which was the moment I crossed the finishing line of my first London Marathon at the young age of 49! The excitement and high level of adrenaline was to remain with me for days to follow.

3. If you could have an inspirational leader to a dinner party, who would it be and why?

We live in challenging times and it is difficult to think at present of an inspiring leader. However, if I could invite a leader to a dinner party, it would be the controversial North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Firstly, because I have never met a North Korean person and I would like to know more about their tradition, culture and way of life and secondly to ask Kim Jong-un where he has his haircut!

4. Do you have a favourite quote, expression or mantra which inspires you to keep going?

I have a studio in South Wimbledon where I continue my personal research as an artist, which over the years has developed from figuration to abstraction including photography and mixed media. I enjoy outdoor activities, travel when I can and read a lot. The writings of Jiddu Krishnamurti have always inspired me with his interest in human relationships and psychological enquiry into the nature of the human mind.

 If you begin to understand what you are, without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.

(Jiddu Krishnamurti)

This quote has always guided me in difficult times.

5. What advice would you give to today’s girls who may be wondering which path to take beyond school?

My advice to young girls and students, whether they decide to continue with their studies at University or take a gap year is:

Continue to improve yourself, remain always young at heart, approach whatever you do with a sense of adventure and curiosity. Above all, try to discover your hidden passion/s.

Bruno Di Mario with Sue Holmes - Italy trip 2006